[Lorie]

Hello..could anyone give me any advise in eradicating the problems we have with rats.
We have 24 hens in a large enclosure and this weekend purchased new coups and revitalised the run. In doing so we came across a network of tunnels etc leading from an allotment to rear of property.  My husband has excavated 18" down around the perimeter of run and concreted...we would very much like any advise on poisons etc without harming the girls...thank you...lorie x

[eneville]

We bought one of these, it has good reviews and I don't have to worry about the poison getting into the food chain through poo from the rats or cats that eat the rats etc.

http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000FII3YW/&linkCode=as2&tag=s5hnet-21

Some of the reviews recommend that you use chocolate buttons or cereal. Using peanut butter or anything else thats sticky would probably make cleaning a lot of work buttons or cereal should come out easily.

[grinling]

Be aware that batteries drain quicker in cold temperatures.
You could use spring traps.
Speak to the allotment manager about the rats coming from the allotment.