[hen maiden]

I am in my second year of being a "crazy chicken lady" as my sister lovingly calls me. I was surprised how much food the girls were getting through this year, but production is up so didn't mind. As the year has gone on I have had to get my head out of the sand and admit that there are other creatures eating our expensive top of the range organic chicken feed. We have been blocking up holes under the fence that joins their run to next door, who's garden is all overgrown and it's helped. This morning I went into the run to see a huge patch of freshly dug earth and the mouth of a tunnel about 3-4 inches wide just next to the girls feeder !!!! The girls have been sleeping outside within a "fox secure", run, since May and as soon as sun is up they like to eat. Any suggestions please. Thank you. I love this forum, it is so helpful and always makes me laugh.

[bantam novice]

Hello there hen maiden, it sounds as if you could have rats.  I am not an expert but I am sure someone with more experience will be along to advise you about getting rid of rats.  In  the meantime good luck 

[hen maiden]

What fantastic news !!   xxxx

[joyfull]

yes sounds like rats to me too. Now that the crops are in from the fields rats need to find another source of feed and you are being so kind by leaving it out for them 

[ChristyRose]

Can you put their food away at night?  I know they like to eat as soon as it gets light but it would discourage the rats from coming in. 

[hen maiden]

Thanks for reading this and replying.
 Is putting the food away what most people do ?
I had expected tales of suspending the feed container from the run roof. I will definitely put it away tonight. The girls should be alright over the winter when it's not light so early and they will probably go back to sleeping in the house  so won't be getting food until I let them out anyway.

[bantam novice]

I only leave food out in the day.  At night I put it in a galvanized metal bin out of the way.  Chooks don't need food or drinks in their coops at night.
Good luck and keep us posted 

[ManicMum]

I always shut the food in a shed overnight - better hungry girls till you get it out again than a rat problem which goes from a rat to an infestation very very quickly!

[ChristyRose]

I always shut their food away at night.  Always make sure there are no tit bits left on the ground and that they've eaten everything up or remove it from the run as it will attract rats.

[Lindeggs]

I use a treadle feeder.  The treadle is weighted so rats and pigeons aren't heavy enough to open the lid.  The brand I have is a 'Grandpa's Feeder' but there are lots of other brands around, and also instructions on how to make your own.

[Helenaj]

Shut it all away at night in a rat proof container (I use lock down galvanised bins) because the rats will soon bring their family, friends, neighbours, neighbour's cousins.......

[Lastcast]

Suspending the container from the roof is not the answer,  I've seen up to 3 Rats sitting, swinging !!  in a neighbouring allotment holders feeder with others  below waiting their turn !!!!