rachier8ch
Hatching
- Mar 27, 2017
- 9
- 4
- 9
Hi everyone!
I learned from reading a few different threads that rats can massacre a covey of quail overnight. From all of the information I have come across, 1/2" wire sounds to be a safe size for keeping them out, and I even read that domestic rats can't squeeze through 1/2 wire once they reach 2 weeks old.
I am getting started with my quail adventure and am gathering supplies to make a nice outdoor quail hutch. I purchased 1/2 x 1" cage wire that is 16 gauge. We live in an urban setting, and the neighborhood is home to rats. Have you had tried and true positive experience at preventing rats in your cages with 1/2 x 1" wire?
I also plan to use a dropping pan to help collect spilled feed, hopefully minimizing the rat attraction due to no direct access to feed falling to the ground. Should I also remove their feeder at night? Clean the drop trays nightly?
I plan to make a long hutch with a solid back and a shelter box at either end, allowing the quail to safely hide when frightened by any rat, possum or cat that roams the neighborhood.
What other ideas do you have to help prevent rats? I welcome any suggestions! Thank you!
I learned from reading a few different threads that rats can massacre a covey of quail overnight. From all of the information I have come across, 1/2" wire sounds to be a safe size for keeping them out, and I even read that domestic rats can't squeeze through 1/2 wire once they reach 2 weeks old.
I am getting started with my quail adventure and am gathering supplies to make a nice outdoor quail hutch. I purchased 1/2 x 1" cage wire that is 16 gauge. We live in an urban setting, and the neighborhood is home to rats. Have you had tried and true positive experience at preventing rats in your cages with 1/2 x 1" wire?
I also plan to use a dropping pan to help collect spilled feed, hopefully minimizing the rat attraction due to no direct access to feed falling to the ground. Should I also remove their feeder at night? Clean the drop trays nightly?
I plan to make a long hutch with a solid back and a shelter box at either end, allowing the quail to safely hide when frightened by any rat, possum or cat that roams the neighborhood.
What other ideas do you have to help prevent rats? I welcome any suggestions! Thank you!
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