Rats chewing horses' feet

I like rats lol ( have 3 of them and mice too) but they have their place in society and when they are contaminating feed or doing damage to horses feet etc then they need to be dealt with.
Not a fan of poisons to be honest as it is a horrible way for a creature to die even if they are classed as vermin.
I would prefer a blow to the head or ratting with a terrier, or even shooting.
Have always wanted to take my JR ratting as she would make an ace one as she was always running around after the cat catches be it mice, voles, rats and even birds.
However I do find it odd the rats nibbling feet like that unless they are deficient in their diet and that is the reason.
Most rats I have ever kept or even wild ones I have chucked some food to have preferred sweet food or fruit, cereal based items rather than meat based products even though they are considered to be omnivores.
I would suggest blocking up the hole, unless yard owner can find the nest/tunnels.
I don't see how ferrets can be much good against rats as none of mine ever seemed interested in them.
I certainly know I would never risk any of my ferrets in a fight against one if it did get nasty as the ferret would not be the likely victor in every fight.
Terriers though are different and can cope with rats no problem.
No I would suggest blocking up any obvious holes except some that have outside access or under or inside a building that can easily be reached and then using the dogs to sniff them out and kill.
Good luck with them and hope you manage to sort out the problem
smile.gif

Cazx
 
Thanks... blocked one hole up last night and the little bugger has found another one as there was another tunnel in my nice banking (they are very clean and moved every day). Hmmm, hubby going to see what he can find for me!

I don't like poison either Caz, I have seen a rat die from it and even though I do not like rats, I found it very upsetting!
 
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rats dont go for flesh

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They do. Ive seen three rats at the throat of a live baby rabbit. Chased them off but they came back. Really nasty.

I think it is possible that the rats have bitten her. I have found several rats killed by my horse. Either she treads on them or kicks them. Good for her.

I dont put poison down but have got a new cat who is going to be a ratcatcher when he plucks up the courage to go outside!!
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