[startingup]

Hi all, 
The subject says it all, but basically, I am just about to acquire some calves, and I have noticed that several of my bales of straw that I was going to use have some dried and some fresh rat droppings in and on them. They are also in a lot of the loose straw around the bales. Should I discard this straw or are the droppings harmless. I only want to discard the straw if I have to, because there is quite a large amount affected. And its not cheap stuff!

Obviously I have a rat problem which I need to control, but can anyone advise please?
Thanks.

[SallyintNorth]

It’s not the rat droppings themselves which are harmful I think, but the rat wee they dribble as they run around on and through the bales. That can carry all sorts of disease, I’m afraid, including leptospirosis which can certainly affect cattle.  I wouldn’t risk it with baby calves, I don’t think.

[harmony]

That can carry all sorts of disease, I’m afraid, including leptospirosis which can certainly affect cattle.  I wouldn’t risk it with baby calves, I don’t think.

And people.


The bait you can buy now if you haven't done a course is imo fairly useless but you will need to bait them. We use blocks nailed onto wood which we put where our dogs can't get them. Target nest areas and runs. Keep going until no fresh droppings. If they have taken bait droppings will be coloured. You can also use bait boxes.

[Sbom]

I think if every farmers ditched their straw that had rat dropping on then they would be chucking nearly all of it! I’ve never been to a farm yet that has no rats and they do so love straw bales for some reason

[Buttermilk]

Control the rats but use the straw as long as it is dry.