Ana Hotaling discusses dealing with rat infestations in chicken coops. Her concepts are directed toward prevention of the rodents and to avoid the infections and parasites rats carry for chickens, pets and humans. She also warns against using poisoned baits to avoid accidental poisoning of a cat or dog that finds a rat away from its burrow.
A female Norway rat gives birth to approximately 80 offspring per year. Her roof rat counterpart can produce about 40 offspring per year.
Source: Hobby Farms, June 17, 2020. Link.
INSIGHTS: Hotaling’s precautions apply to suburban and urban settings alike. Norway rats easily adapt to almost any environment where food and water can be found. Cats help, but four or more Norway females will out produce a single cat’s appetite.