Rats....should they put me off having chickens?

[Rosie111]

hi all, I desperately want chickens and had just about convinced DH but he know has a fear about attracting rats. We live in a semi rural area in a row of terrace houses but backs on to fields. We have very young kids and so do both neighbours so would hate to be responsible for rat infestation. Not to mention the huge 'I told you so' from DH. Any advice or idea of how bad the rat problem can be?

Yes you will attract rats because they love grain and water troughs, and nest in bedding and muck heaps. But don't let that put you off. You can make sure you only give the hens enough food that they can eat in 10 mins, any leftovers put away. Put food in heavy duty shallow containers, they are messy feeders so will spill some. Store food in galvanised containers. Store shavings or straw above ground, again in something rats can't burrow into. Same for the muck heap until you can spread it on your garden or give it away. Make sure hen house is well above ground so rats can't burrow under, and moveable so you don't get rat families based under it. Rats will also steal eggs so collect eggs regularly. Good luck!

our cats used to bring in the odd rat (presumably from farm next door who also have chickens amongst other things)
since we've had our own hens we've not been presented with any rats but have noticed the amount of mouse body parts and entrails has increased slightly, but then its spring time perhaps it would have anyway?
basically, cats can be a good accessary to chicken keepers!