I just went out to throw the huge chunky butt Sussex in their coop and decided since we are going to have a hard freeze to throw the hose in the duck pool so it doesn't freeze up on me again. I was in the Aviary and heard a noise. I thought it was rats and went to looks since I had just sent a few ruuning out of the chicken run. It was either a huge Barred or Great Horned Owl almost stuck in the Cherry Tree next to the Aviary. he had his wings stuck in the branches. The rats usually run up it. It got loose and flew into a oak behind the aviary. Yesterday I went and got some rat bait blocks someone suggested and put 6 of them out today down holes and under logs. Now if the Owl eats a rat it will probably be poisoned. I could kick myself for putting it out now. This is the first time I have seen a Owl on my property here
Oh nooooooooooooooo!!!!
Most rat poison baits have to be eaten in some quantity over time to be lethal. If the owl only ate one rat he would probably be okay.
I just worry because also I am pretty sure they will start laying soon if they haven't already. I would feel even worse to find out a Mom Owl fed her owlet a poisoned rat and killed it
Don't worry.. you will probably never know.. and I'm not so sure an Owl would go after a rat that was sick and dying...
I use rat poison, and have never seen a dead cat, or bird, crow, possum, etc.. Nothing.. ever.. but I have found dead rats that tried to hide to die..
I think an Owl has more sense than we give them credit for... Just a thought... :)
I sure hope so. I am sick over the thought of it happening