How to protect your chickens' food from rats?

Accessible grain and food scraps can attract rats around a chicken coop. Protecting stored feed, removing spills and choosing a suitable feeder can reduce these food sources. A feeder alone does not guarantee that rodents will stay away.

Reduce accessible food

• Keep stored grain in a closed container and check its condition.
• Regularly remove spilled grain and food scraps.
• Check access routes, hiding places and nearby objects that could help rodents reach the feeder.
• Look for signs of rodents and adapt your response.

What a hanging feeder can do

A raised feeder can make grain less accessible. Position it at a height suitable for your chickens: nearby supports or poor placement can also help rodents reach it.

The Cocobol feeder is designed to contain grain in the feeding area and reduce spills. Less spilled grain means less food left around the coop. Results vary with feed, installation and bird behaviour.

Installation and maintenance

Attach the feeder to a stable support at a height where chickens can eat comfortably. Regularly check the attachment, grain flow and cleanliness of the area. Shelter the feed from direct rain.

A closure cap can close the opening at night. Whether it is included depends on the product purchased: check the relevant product page. It does not replace monitoring the coop or other measures needed for an infestation.

Limits to keep in mind

“Anti-waste” means that the design helps reduce losses; it does not mean no grain will fall on the ground. Similarly, a feeder described as “anti-rat” is not a guarantee that rodents cannot reach it.

If rats remain present, have the situation and suitable control measures assessed. A feeder is one part of managing the environment around a coop.

Frequently asked questions

Will the feeder eliminate all rats?

No. It helps limit accessible grain, but results depend on installation and the surrounding environment.

Should I still clean the ground?

Yes. Remove spilled grain and regularly check the area, even when using a feeder designed to reduce waste.

Where can I see the available models?

See the Cocobol feeder with reservoir for capacities, options and conditions of use.