How to deter rats from bird aviary?

[kennykoala1]

hi all my bird Aviary is 10 mt x 4mt x 2.7mt high i have it covered with 12mm bird wire, yesterday went in aviary stood on a big rat body 200ml with tail 400mm big rat had to check to see if was dead good it was, picked it up with plastic bag put in waste bin, I have rat sack with peanut butter placed in two stations round back of bird shed they are eating it, good.  my question is how could it be getting in I have 12mm bird wire on floor of breeding room works good, When I think about it I will have to get on my hands and knees and check all nooks and crannies, friend's any ideas would help big please.  

[EricL · Accepted solution]

Hello @kennykoala1 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about rats in your aviary.

It's highly probable that there is an entryway that you have not yet seen. It's the only logical conclusion especially if the bottom section of your aviary is secure. The only section that it can be squeezing through is the least expected channel that you would ignore. It's either climbing the cage and going through a soft section in the middle or has found a way at the top. As an experiment I suggest covering the roof section of your aviary with Jack 900mm x 5m 6.5 x 6.5mm Mouse Mesh in combination with Wooden Mouse Trap - 2 Pack to see if it will deter its attack.

If you have a security camera you can also point it temporarily at the aviary to see if you can catch the vermin in the act.

I also suggest having a look at this discussion - Solved: How to stop rats?? by @MonkeyLearn.

If you need further assistance, please let us know. 

Eric

[kennykoala1]

Hi Eric thank you for your great advice will check all what you have suggested, and i do have two security cameras which i will set up and see what is happening after dark, never realized how crafty and smart rodents are, their is accouple of places that need attention. Thank you Eric.

[AlanM52]

HIU @kennykoala1,

Question is marked as solved but after 25 years of doing chooks I would like to add some suggestions.

Very likely they are sneaking in through the 'peaks' of the roofing so setup one camera to monitor that area.

@EricL suggests covering the roof section with wire mesh but for that to be effective you will need to remove the roof.

Wearing gloves I cut a narrow length of chicken wire, squash it and then working along shove it into the holes (the peaks).

If needed use wire or cable ties to hold it in place.

You will need to do the same for the back of the roof and right around the back and sides both top and bottom.

Do not use expanding foam, it will make a mess and they will eat through it.

Cheers

[kennykoala1]

thank you Allen good advice shall look into it, camera is good idea should give me some idea were they are getting in.