Rats!!!

[MrsJ1]

My office backs onto fields. We decided to put a bird feeder on a pole outside and have been treated to a wonderful array of birds over the last 18 months. In the last week, I have seen a rat underneath the pole, obviously digging for the seed that has fallen from the feeder. It is not scared when I open the window to shoo it away, it just hides in the bushes for a few minutes and then comes back again. I'm worried if I put poison down, it will kill the birds that also pick up the seed from the ground. if I use a trap, it could injure the two cats that parade around the site. Any ideas??

[cruella]

Get in touch with your Environmental Health Department which is run by the City Council.
They will assist you ar at least give you advice.
Good Luck!

[horsestache1]

Don't worry, the cats will get it soon enough!

[burnhal]

occupational hazard when feeding birds- where there is one rat there are always others around. As long as it cant get up the pole to the feeder shouldnt be a problem. If it IS a problem then do what I do- if it is feasible and safe- air rifle.

[Thunderbird+]

A profesional pest controller would know what kind of trap would be suitable for this situation.
A baited feeder that only rats can enter would be safe as regards to the birds but the cats may catch a poisoned rat that was dieing.
Therefore I think a cage trap would be most suitable, so that the rat can be taken away and destroyed.

[wildwood]

Is it really doing any harm?

The pole seems to be serving its purpose by preventing it access to the feeding table.

Why does it have to die just because it is a rat!

[MrsJ1]

Thanks for all the answers, I think I'll contact the Enviromental Health Dept as although my husband shoots, I'm not sure the other occupants of the building would be too impressed!

Wildwood, the reason it has to go is that a) its digging up the grass around the feeder and b) rats are pretty social animals and it will soon be telling all its mates about the free food.

[divegirl]

oh no....not digging up the grass!!!!!!

Have to agree with wildwood....why does it have to die just because it's a rat? Don't get me wrong, I would not encourage rats into my garden, but if you don't like the side effects.....don't feed the birds! Simple really.

Oh...the poor birds....how will they survive? They seem to have done reasonably well so far....without human intervention. Oh, but they look so pretty!!!! Watch the rats.....amazing creatures!

Have a nice day

Lisa x

[divegirl]

ps.....as Horsetache 1 says.......leave the cats to it....at least they are natural preditors.

[gelda]

Quite aggree with Wildwood and Divegirl !