I kid you not - he actually said this!!

[piskieinboots]

This was in the Benson Station newsletter - I read it with my mouth open and head shaking from side-to-side so SD tells me.

Rodent infestation
The fact that we live within a rural area it is inevitable that wildlife will be seen in our gardens, however occupants of SFA are requested not to encourage this activity particularly that of rodents by not putting out food for the birds and removing such items as bird feeders. With your co-operation this will reduce the current infestation in some areas of the estate

Best he doesn't come around to my quarter and see just how many bird feeders I have up ....and a compost bin ....yer Mr Muppet get a load of that huh huh!!

SFA = Station Family Accommodation = Married Quarter

[Two_Sheds]

Hmmm. Rats will certainly help themselves to bread left on the ground, but I've never seen any dangling from birdfeeders!

Rats are dependant on humans for their food: they feed on our leftovers, scraps and rubbish that we leave around.

[piskieinboots]

I should ask him to provide a picture of a rat hanging from a bird feeder as evidence shouldn't I!

[zazen999]

Please do! And let us know the response

[Nicos]

Ooops Piskie...guess what I found???

Google Image Result for http://bp1.blogger.com/_OFTHTAH9590/R6r1THlR9hI/AAAAAAAAAmA/Y4xcGNm2LlY/s400/Rats.jpg

[Charles Hemingway]

We get grey squirrles taking nuts from our bird feeders, but I have seen rats emerge from under the shed to get scraps but not for a long time now I think I got them all in traps.

[trebellangeminired]

I have seen rats (yes rats, I counted 24 individuals in one minute on my neighbours patio) climb up the pole of their bird table like harvesters climbing a coconut tree then swing elegantly over the squirrel barrier and onto the table. I'm sure a bird feeder wouldn't present any more of a challenge. Problem subsided after they had a visit from pest control but when we were in the garden tonight we saw a large adult. Babies won't be far behind. We reset traps etc. Good luck

[Alice]

Rats are attracted to birdfeeders. They will climb up them and will certainly feed on the crumbs and seeds the birds have scattered around the feeders.
BUT it is still a very stupid statement as he expressed it.

[piskieinboots]

BUT it is still a very stupid statement as he expressed it.

exactly - isn't it just! And this chap is responsible for our welfare and community spirit

If we attract wildlife (as most gardeners I know do) we can't really be to fussy what turns up. I know rats aren't 'your' favourite garden visitor but then neither are those pesky pigeons when they eat my greens at the lottie - but watching them in the bird-bath at home is a joy....double-edged sword.

Nice one Nicos

[rainbowbrite]

we live by a train track and have TONS of rats in our area. we had an old shed in our garden when we first moved in and it was practically eaten by the critters, it had to go unfortunatly as they were breeding in there and everything (yuck, horrible memories). i have tons of bird feeders and a compost but my secret - my 2 cats!!! it works well actually because with so many rats around they leave the birds alone and the rats tend to stay away from our area. if only i could find something as effective for the slugs