Rats around chickens

[davethe 20]

We only have a collie, and while it's generally an intelligent breed we have the one who drags the average down.

[mushroom 12,352]

Do you not know anyone with a couple of terriers?

[davethe 20]

Nope.  A few old ones doddering around, but nothing and no-one I know how to use 'em ratting.

[EDDIE B 3,119]

Traps in simple tunnel designs is the way to go. Keep them set all year round

[budgie123 163]

On a lot of contracts we now use AF Atom bait stations with snap e rat traps in them no bait on the trap.

These have delivered an exceptional catch rate which is in some respects is difficult to understand.

They are a bait station with all the issues of neophobia as a standard LP bait station with bait but they are so more effective.

On a number of contracts where LP bait stations never showed anything but mice activity within weeks of substituting them for AF Atom bait stations with traps I started catching rats.

There must be something with the straight throw access of the AF atoms which are far more acceptable to a rat than the LP type bait station.

 

[Aussie Whip 3,822]

I like the live cage traps,unlike rabbits, rats usually fall for it.Then you can throw the cage in a bucket or release to the terriers.If you catch a native bird or animal you can release it unharmed,I always use peanut butter for bait.

Edited November 25, 2019 by Aussie Whip

[EDDIE B 3,119]

10 hours ago, budgie123 said:

On a lot of contracts we now use AF Atom bait stations with snap e rat traps in them no bait on the trap.

These have delivered an exceptional catch rate which is in some respects is difficult to understand.

They are a bait station with all the issues of neophobia as a standard LP bait station with bait but they are so more effective.

On a number of contracts where LP bait stations never showed anything but mice activity within weeks of substituting them for AF Atom bait stations with traps I started catching rats.

There must be something with the straight throw access of the AF atoms which are far more acceptable to a rat than the LP type bait station.

 

The LP stations I've seen don't have a clear run through like the Atom. Maybe that's the reason why they aren't effective as the Atom. Rats have no problem going through tunnels where they can see light coming through.

[davethe 20]

Well that's annoying.  The little bugger climbs on the trap and seems to pull the peanut butter off.  Safety catch is definitely disengaged though.

 

 

[Nicepix 5,650]

Put the bait under the trap, no on it. Nothing hard under the treadle though as that might stop it moving enough to trip. Also, check the surfaces of the treadle hook and the brass flap to make sure there is nothing rough that might cause it to jam. I smoothed mine off with a file then emery cloth. Then set the trigger right at the last part just before it will set the trap off.

Edited December 10, 2019 by Nicepix

[Gooner 143]

As stated fine tune trigger, what I do is apply safety and gently tap treadle so that it is just being held then take safety off, can be fiddly at first but worth the effort.

[davethe 20]

At this point I think I'm just feeding a rat.  You can see him sitting on the treadle eating the bait underneath it.

I did the gentle tapping thing but it still doesn't react. 

 

Edited December 12, 2019 by davethe
video seems to have disappeared

[EDDIE B 3,119]

Either get a trap that works properly, or tie bait to the roof of the cage. Fat off a rasher or something he needs to pull at.

[techworm 21]

try a different trap. or

you might be able to get the existing trigger more slippy. try setting it with a small piece of plastic bag pinched flat between the treadle hook and the dog so there is less friction.

[Nicepix 5,650]

It isn't going onto the treadle. It is able to reach the bait without going onto the plate  You need to set up the trap so that the rat has to step down onto the treadle.

Make the trap safe and take it up. Put some bait on the floor where the trap will cover it up. Use something soft like peanut butter, chocolate spread or a small piece of bacon laid flat. Replace the trap and take the safety hook off.

Don't beat yourself up about it though because you are almost there. The rat is used to going into the trap so that is actually the hard part done.

[davethe 20]

Got 'im!

Unfortunately no video, I guess it was on its cooldown "time between videos".