Controlling Rodents in the Chicken Coop

Are rodents invading your chicken coop? In this bonus content of The Poultry Keepers Podcast, we dive deep into why rats and mice are drawn to backyard chicken coops, the damage they can cause to your flock, and—most importantly—how to eliminate and prevent them. 

Learn practical, humane, and effective strategies to keep your chickens safe, your feed secure, and your coop clean. From rodent-proofing tips to natural deterrents and smart feeding practices, this guide will help you take back control. Whether you're a seasoned chicken keeper or just getting started, this is essential info for protecting your flock. 

Hit that like button, subscribe for more poultry care tips, and keep your coop rodent-free!

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Transcript

Alex: 0:00

Hey there backyard chicken keepers! It's time for more Bonus Content from The Poultry Keepers Podcast, where we talk about all things poultry. Today, we're tackling an issue every coop owner dreads—rodents. Now whether you’ve seen a mouse skittering across the coop or found suspicious gnaw marks on your feed bags, you’re not alone. Let’s dig into why rodents love your chicken coop, the damage they can do, and—most importantly—how to kick them out and keep them out. Let’s start with what brings rodents to your coop in the first place. The big three? Food, shelter, and warmth. First, chicken feed is a buffet for rats and mice. It’s high in grain, easy to access if left out, and usually served daily—basically an all-you-can-eat rodent resort. Second, coops often provide safe shelter—they’re dry, warm, and have plenty of nooks and crannies for nesting. Third, the chickens themselves create a warm environment with their body heat, and with straw or shavings on the floor, rodents see the perfect winter hideaway. Once they find a coop they like, they won’t leave unless you give them a reason You might be thinking,'Well, they’re small. How bad can it be?' Oh, it can get bad. Rats can eat and contaminate large amounts of your chicken feed, costing you money. Rodents can spread salmonella, leptospirosis, and other diseases through droppings, urine, and saliva. They chew through wood, plastic, and even electrical wiring. Their presence can stress out your flock, reduce egg production, and even lead to injury, especially if they go after chicks. Rodents draw in snakes and other predators, making things even more dangerous. Now for the good stuff—how to control rodents and stop them from turning your coop into their playground. Step 1: Keep It Clean Clean up spilled feed immediately. Remove uneaten food at night. Store feed in metal or heavy-duty plastic containers with tight lids. Clean out nesting material regularly. Step 2: Rodent-Proof Your Coop Seal all holes larger than a dime. Install hardware cloth(not chicken wire) over vents and openings—rats can squeeze through surprisingly small gaps. Elevate the coop if possible; rodents like hidden spaces under buildings. Use concrete or gravel barriers under the coop floor to block burrowing. Step 3: Smart Feeding Use rat-proof feeders that require chickens to step on a platform to access the feed. Never scatter feed on the ground. Step 4: Natural Predators If you have space and it's safe, let your barn cat patrol the area. Owls and hawks are also effective, so consider an owl box to encourage natural pest control—just ensure your chickens are locked up at night. Step 5: Traps Over Poison Avoid poison—it can kill your chickens, pets, or beneficial predators. Instead, use snap traps in secure, enclosed boxes that only allow rodent entry. Peanut butter and oats make great bait. Place traps along walls or near suspected rodent paths. Do it yourself Deterrents Rodents dislike peppermint oil, cayenne pepper, and ammonia. Use soaked cotton balls or sprays around coop exteriors. Some keepers swear by placing used kitty litter(just a little) around the coop perimeter—just don't use it inside.""To wrap it up—rodents are attracted to food, warmth, and shelter. But with a clean coop, smart feeding practices, and rodent-proof construction, you can protect your flock and your feed. Stay alert, keep things tidy, and remember—if you see one rodent, chances are there are more. Act early and stay ahead of the game. Thanks for listening to The Poultry Keepers Podcast and don’t forget to peck the like button and subscribe for more practical poultry tips. Happy cluckin’, and may your coop stay rodent-free!"