Rodents In Poultry Housing: A Multi-Faceted Plan Of Attack

Three different rodent species are usually encountered on a poultry farm. They are Rattus rattus or the roof or black rat, Rattus norvegicus or the brown or sewer rat, and Mus musculus or the house mouse.

- Carin Venter

Rats and mice are carriers of lice, mites, fleas and other parasites, and can transmit at least 50 possible diseases to chickens and humans, such as Newcastle disease or avian influenza – these diseases can even be transferred via the bait stations used to protect one’s farm.

Stockfarm asked two experts for advice on how to prevent these critters from partying among one’s chickens and what it involves to proactively manage an existing problem.

A proper pest control system

According to Lee Ashford at Scientific™ Supa-Kill, voluntary and involuntary movement can have a major influence on why rodents suddenly appear:

• Voluntary means rodents were prevalent in the area, but have outgrown or fled the environment due to either a fire, harvesting of crops, intensive downpours, or breeding.

• Involuntary means they were imported onto the farm by truck (feed delivery) or other means.

According to Ashford, it is crucial to think of a poultry house as a pest control system. “Pest control encompasses many aspects, from application techniques to record-keeping,” he says. “For example, if one’s chicken house is close-walled and 80% rodent proof, around 20% pest control will likely be required. Should it be an open-sided chicken house, then pest control will be 100%.”

The correct bait in a bait station and a willing and trained staff member are essential to a productive pest control programme. If one of these steps were to fail, it will create a gap for rodents to take over. A bait station is designed to give the rodent a sense of safety while eating a lethal dose of poison.