[RosieMay]

Let my ladies out this morning only to discover on of my little Pekins had an horrific injury to her back.  Took her straight to vet who hadn't seen anything like it before and put her to sleep.  She was fine at bedtime.  This definitely happened during the night.  There was a hole in the floor of the house which I had blocked up etc but this had been extended since they were cleaned out a week ago and I think a rat could have got in.  Do any of you have any experience of rat attacks?  I'm sure she wasn't attacked by the other hens (we only had 5) and they were a well established group and I haven't witnessed any fights.  I think it was too horrific an injury to have been carried out by the others anyway.  Won't go into details but I could see an awful lot that I really didn't want to see.  Very upsetting. 

Any ideas much appreciated.

[Alby]

Hi Rosi, I lost 5 chooks in one night all with very deep but small wounds to the base of the neck. It was a stoat that had ate a hole through the floor and went berserk !!! .

 Boarded over the hole and no problem since, but always a chance of a daytime attack  

   Alby  

[joyfull]

if it is a stoat etc then staple some weld mesh on the underside of your coop - this will prevent them gnawing their way in again.

[alancane]

What a superb idea Joyfull. I haven't got a problem with Stoats, but a good preventative measure to take. I didn't think of that!   

[bantam novice]

It must have been horrible for you, Rosie May.  I think that Joyfull's suggestion is good too.  I live in Somerset and we have mink where I live (near Castle Cary).   I think that mink, rats or weasels would find it difficult to gnaw through the mesh too.

[RosieMay]

I did wonder about a stoat as I have seen them around here but due to the fact we do have rat problems from time to time I just moved towards that as a conclusion.  Thanks for your replies.  Not come across this before so was wondering about the experiences of others. 

Alby - loosing 5 must have been awful. 

Bantam Novice - hello Castle Cary!  I'm in Crewkerne.