[John]

I went up to the brassica cage to pick some sprouts and most have gone. In the potato store, things were even worse! Between rabbits and rats we're lucky to have any veg left for Christmas dinner.

Full moan here

[mumofstig]

Sorry to hear that John, how depressing after all the effort of growing them.

[John]

Sorry to hear that John, how depressing after all the effort of growing them.

I really was gutted about the sprouts - they were looking so well. 5 plants and about a dozen sprout harvest.

[Plot 1 Problems]

That's rough John, by this time of year you feel like all the hazards of growing are long gone.

[John]

Well it made me so miserable I did my tax return!

[New shoot]

Bad luck John.  Sprouts are such a long standing crop, to lose them now is really depressing 

[snowdrops]

Sorry to hear that John, such a shame. Sounds like you’ve just created a job list for the New Year

[Yorkie]

How disappointing for you 

[John]

I looked at building a rat-proof potato bin that allows them to breathe - I've got all the materials so should be done later in the week. Rat traps reset and positioned in the potato store may catch one but rats ain't stupid..
Still could be worse.. Rat in Mi Kitchen

[Odders]

I looked at building a rat-proof potato bin that allows them to breathe - I've got all the materials so should be done later in the week. Rat traps reset and positioned in the potato store may catch one but rats ain't stupid..
Still could be worse.. Rat in Mi Kitchen

I had occasional problems with rats in the kitchen ceiling & under the floor throughout the house.
Whilst poison got rid of them, irretrievable carcases were a tad smelly for a week or two..
Mid 19th century sandstone terrace & I couldn't find how they were getting in.
Then my neighbour had his adjoining kitchen extension roof replaced & the problem went away...
On cats: Had them for 45 years, mostly 2-3 at a time, one young, one middle aged & one older. So long as the youngest is introduced as a kitten, even the oldest has always accepted their presence, often enthusiastically. Never had more than one Tom at a time though & Queens are always better hunters.

[John]

We love our cats but have ended up with 6 around the same age and they're getting on. If we could introduce a young cat I'm very aware that she could well outlast us. I know my daughter would take on any cats but it's a wrench for them as they get older.
And, if I'm truthful, looking after 6 demanding mogs is enough.
The good news on the rat problem is that we got 2 in the traps and no signs of more about. Cost about £15 worth of cat biscuits and I reckon 20kg of potatoes. Still felt bad in a way removing the bodies - both were sleek, handsome creatures. But don't tell anyone - I'm a rough tough smallholder you know

[Aled]

Have you got an air rifle? Rabbit casserole is lovely, and wild organic meat as well.

[Odders]

Have you got an air rifle? Rabbit casserole is lovely, and wild organic meat as well.

Makes better curry than chicken too IMO.

[John]

Have you got an air rifle? Rabbit casserole is lovely, and wild organic meat as well.

Son-in-law has one, he's a bit rusty but getting his eye in. I'd be lucky to hit the field let alone the bunny! I was surprised how powerful a shot from an air rifle is. The hole that tiny pellet made in a board behind the target was surprising to me.