The Big Rat Diary

[Beanie]

Johnny,
Once you've caught it/them, do please follow the advice given above about rat-proofing your bin - otherwise, once you've disposed of that one, there will be a vacant ratty territory, which will just attract the next family to move in.

My next-door-neighbour-but-one is a free-range poultry farm, which attracts rats like magnets - like you I've had all sorts of problems with rats in my compost bin. But none since I stood it on two layers of strong wire mesh, so try that. Disturbing it regularly is also a good idea - I have a metal pole for just that purpose, I either ram it into the compost or thump the sides with it.

PS if your traps fail then you could try my neighbour's method: deckchair, torch, can of beer & an air rifle.

[Eyren]

That's a lovely photo, Capsid! I'm personally not that bothered by rats, but a) the chickens hate them and wouldn't roost in the eglu when they were around and b) the neighbours have a baby and a water feature, so...

Actually, if the rats become a nuisance again, I'll advise them to turn the water feature off, because rats need a source of water to drink from. The mesh floor for the run is a good idea, Beanie - I'm hoping to get a walk-in run this year, and will add that to my list of requirements.