I keep chickens, chevrolet - yes, we sometimes have rat problems, but it's not as bad as coco pops makes out. There are ways to deter the rats. I have a smallholding and amongst others, have 35 chickens for eggs. We only had rats in one run last winter (they don't bother you in the summer, it's the wet weather that attracts them, and the leftover food). As far as P.O.L. pullets are concerned, have a look at the Practical Poultry website (sorry, I don't know the exact address, but if you Google "Practical Poultry" you should find it!). Chickens are great to keep - good luck and I'm so pleased to hear that you're thinking of getting some ex-battery hens!! K xx