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Regarding rats, I was wondering what solutions there are to controlling them.
I'm reluctant to use poison because I've heard that this can lead to birds such as owls and hawks being inadvertedly being poisoned, or laying infertile eggs.
Poisons containing brodifacoum or flocoumafen are particularly dangerous to owls.
Warafin is best apparently.
A single owl kills hundred mice and rats every year, so is very beneficial.
Cats on the other hand are notorious killers of birds, as well as of rodents.
Any other ideas for controlling these pests?
Philip
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Rats- a problem indeed, I live in a rural area and was informed that there is nothing wrong with a rural rat, he's not in sewers or dumps, so just co-exist. I know some one who puts out traps to catch them live and then lets them out a distance form the house, I don't think I'd go that far. I believe a Jack Russel is the best bet. wont bother birds but apparently hey can kill a rat a day. I know a big scale free range poultry breeder who swears by them.
As for slugs, get a duck or two, they are amazing creatures who eat lots of slugs and lay eggs.!
as for bird feed, I believe they knocked that thing on the head about chicks choking a few years back and you are now encouraged to put feed out most of the year, depending on availability of natural foods.
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Regarding cats, We attached bell to our cat at home and it prevented her from killing birds, but it did not decrease her haul of mice and rats!
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