Posted: Sun Mar 05, 06 1:23 pm Post subject: Ratcattchers
A post by Saffranne made me wonder. Are cats really good rodent control? I ask because I am expanding my flock and although I don't have a problem right now I might with more hens. I don't like the idea of traps (not worried about killing things, just dont fancy disposing of them!) . I had a good ratter years ago but most of my cats in the past would just catch things,mainly mice, and bring them into the house (usually alive!) to play with. Mind you now I think about it the ratter did once bring in a juicy rat copse presumably as a pressie!
Our stables are patrolled by my mothers large ball of spoilt fluff. We are very careful to store food securely but have noticed that little bits that get split are still there several days later. Said cat does tend wander past hauling rabbits about his size while my Mum is there worrying to me about him not eating his food! There are also occasional owl visitors - don't think any live there permanently - can't think what else would be keeping the rat population down (I never see any in there at all either.)
jack russell terriers , yorkies and any other small robust hounds are pretty good .
cats are often scared of adult rats .some however see rats as their mission and are very effective
larger owls will get several per night , maybe site some nest boxes nearby (see rspb for details )
i hate to say it (again) poison is queen and if used responsibly should not harm stock or wildlife .the local authority ratcatchers may be working the area and should be helpful with both advice and action re rodent control .
you will not get rid of them but you can control the numbers nearby .
- can't think what else would be keeping the rat population down (I never see any in there at all either.)
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