I had this problem last year Shazza (probably still have it ) so I cut back my shrubbery, moved the feeders away from the easy access and made some seed catchers to stop grain on the ground.
The pigeons still sit under the feeders but there you go once the birds got the hang of the new arrangements they were fine. Maybe you could do something similar?
My squirrel proof feeders were no deterrent when the feeder was within reach of the shrubs - they just got chewed.
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After:
"The trouble with having an open mind, of course, is that people will insist on coming along and trying to put things in it." Sir Terry Pratchett
I suppose it depends on your particular situation and location but most Pest Control officers would, in the first instance, always suggest that you stop feeding the birds for a period of time to persuade the rats to move elsewhere. It doesn't necessarily mean that you never feed the birds again - it's just a matter of removing an easy food source. If the problem persists after a couple of months or so, then obviously you need to look further. Having had rats in the garden here, I stopped feeding the birds but then discovered the rats had moved into the roof space - different tactics needed. I resumed feeding the birds after some months and rat free so far. Pays to be vigilant tho - they are crafty beggars when all is said and done. Good luck and hope you can resume your bird watching before long
I had this problem last year Shazza (probably still have it ) so I cut back my shrubbery, moved the feeders away from the easy access and made some seed catchers to stop grain on the ground.
The pigeons still sit under the feeders but there you go once the birds got the hang of the new arrangements they were fine. Maybe you could do something similar?
My squirrel proof feeders were no deterrent when the feeder was within reach of the shrubs - they just got chewed.
I'm biased, I used to keep pet rats, and I have a real admiration for the wild ones too. We've been trying to wipe them out forever and they're still everywhere, resilient little critters!
I'm biased, I used to keep pet rats, and I have a real admiration for the wild ones too. We've been trying to wipe them out forever and they're still everywhere, resilient little critters!
you are welcome to any in my garden, do supply me with the traps actually I have not seen any for a few days, they do say you are never more than 2 ft away from a rat.
I had this problem and we did put bait down in traps for a few months and sadly had to stop feeding the birds.bur then I started again but kept the seed in a feeder hanging from a stand or tree and used more coconut feeders.no seed on a table.no rats back yet!! We live next door to a mucky neighbour who has 3 chickens and a rabbit.they live in filthy conditions.the garden is disgusting!!
When I looked into this issue earlier this year as we had this problem, the info said to remove all easily accessible sources of water and food. They also don't like change so maybe try moving things around wherever you see them. And if they want the bait in the traps I'm sure they'd find a way in. Can't they constrict their bodies to fit into small spaces? I'd noticed holes along the fence in our garden but I think in actual fact the rats are in my neighbours garden (it's very messy). I think the holes I was seeing was their "emergency exit". When I mentioned rats to him, he told me he'd had them in his roof a while back too.
Thanks for all the messages and advice. I wish I could move the feeders further in my garden but I know that the birds won't visit it. The feeders are situated next to the fence which surrounds our property and is adjacent to the end of the school playing field. I originally placed the feeders in my garden but I didn't have one bird that came in. Our garden is very exposed and I think they prefer to feed from the fence where they can escape from predators through the foliage of the brambles growing in the field. Unfortunately the rat family is still taking bird food and even though I have thrown pebbles at them, it doesn't stop them. They just return when it goes quiet. I don't honestly think I can do anything about them.
We kept chicken in our last garden, plus 2 cats,2 dogs, rabbit got. Visit from a very rude unpleasant public health inspector one day, they have legal right of entry. He said he was putting poison under our youngest daughters play house,I wasn't happy, but there is nothing you can do. Neighbours had reported us. We were allowed to keep chicken there,they never came and said anything to us. The bitter irony was they then sold their house to a developer and it was demolished
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The pigeons still sit under the feeders but there you go
My squirrel proof feeders were no deterrent when the feeder was within reach of the shrubs - they just got chewed.
Before:
After:
If the problem persists after a couple of months or so, then obviously you need to look further.
Having had rats in the garden here, I stopped feeding the birds but then discovered the rats had moved into the roof space - different tactics needed. I resumed feeding the birds after some months and rat free so far.
Pays to be vigilant tho - they are crafty beggars when all is said and done.
Good luck and hope you can resume your bird watching before long