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Over the last 12 years we have kept a flock ranging 25 to 3 chickens. While I am absolutely pro backyard chicken there is problem that needs to be addressed.  RATS.   Rats are a problem everywhere from sterile suburbia, urban to rural (just talk to the pest control people).   Feeding pets on the back porch, having cats or dogs outside (rats eat fecal matter) black walnut trees and open composting all contribute to a wonderful rat environment.   Keeping chickens without rat-proofing your pen is asking for problems.  That stuff called "chicken wire" is not suitable for chickens pens - hardware cloth/wire is worth the extra cost.  Deep bedding, excess food and brush piles create an ideal environment for rats.  Chickens can easily be kept in a way that does not provide habitat for rats - one just needs to think about it. Irresponsible chicken ownership will shut down backyard chickens for everyone.

-Steve - Corvallis

posted 3 years, 6 months ago
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