[Helencus]

We have a rats nest near our hen house and no matter how much poison I leave in rat boxes I can't get rid. We make sure there is no food left out over night. I try to minimise what they can get at but no matter what can't seem to get rid. Even tried traps but just caught a few unlucky birds. Any advice?

[Sylvia]

Borrow a keen terrier!

[doganjo]

Leave rat poison in small poly bags.  rats will take them back to the nest, babies will eat it too.  Probably you are only killing the foragers. Do you have cats.  Mine is a rat catcher.  But I have to watch him and remove them as he would eat them too.

[daniellestocks]

Smoke um out and have a terrrier (or few) around to catch them, the ones that dont bolt either die from the smoke fumes or get dug out
We have 5 fab ratting terriers, of which 2 are great markers so ya no if there any still left down then we dig them out! We take them ratting most weekends all thru winter for a lot of the local farmers in ryedale
If i lived near by i glady come help you out but were not sorry, if ya ask about near you there will be some keen ratters awaiting some work 
Danielle

[Helencus]

Thanks. I can't have cats as my hubby is allergic unfortunately. I'll see if there is someone local with terriers. OH saw a huge one again today so we have to try something else.

[Gary]

air rifle works a treat for me

[Hilarysmum]

The poly bag idea sounds brilliant.  Never thought of them taking the poison back to the nest. 

[doganjo]

An old farmer told me that one.  Apparently they won't open the bag and eat it there, they like to take food back to the nest if they can.

[Dangermouse]

The air rifle method works well too

[Helencus]

I'll give that a go too. Can't find anyone local with a terrier

[daniellestocks]

If ya try the local game keeper and beaters (usually always have terriers) or will no someone keen, or local young farmers, theres bound to be some young lads itching to work their dogs 

[doganjo]

The air rifle method works well too

A. Provided you have one
B. Or know someone who has
C. Provided you can aim and hit a moving target

I certainly can't/don't

[Helencus]

Nor me Annie. I'll try the local countrystore they may know of someone

[Daisys Mum]

We have a brilliant little cat who lives out in the tackoom with a cat flap and often in the morning when I go in to feed her there will ba a big rat left for me, she has made a huge difference around the yard.

[Helencus]

I'd love a cat but OH says no. When we get the stables and barn finished I may just get one to live outside.