Noisy roosters can be quietened down by the use of a rooster collar. It will not stop a rooster from crowing but can reduce the level of the sound he makes. This works by restricting the amount of air he can draw in when attempting to crow.

The effectiveness of a rooster collar will depend on the breed and the correct or incorrect positioning of the collar.

Different brands can make a difference.
The NO CROW collars are wider and have a breathable mesh.
The COCK COLLARS are all one piece of velcro but are more beneficial on the short neck breeds, but not exclusively.

Rooster Collars need to be checked on regularly as boys grow. If there is any purpling of the comb, loosen slightly or give him days off from the collar. Long term use of a rooster collar is not recommended as it can lead to permanent damage or premature death.

​My recommendation is to try both and see which one works best for you.

Before using a rooster collar, explore the message boards on poultry websites for tips to see if using a rooster collar is right for you.

COCK COLLARS
www.cockcollars.com.au

Australian made. Price range between $5.50 to $7.50 (plus postage).
Range of sizes according to breed.
Choose from black, white or coloured.

NO CROW
www.nocrowroostercollars.com.au/

In Adelaide - available at:
Keelan Grain and Fodder
291 Payneham Rd, Royston Park SA 5077
Ph: 8362 4178

Priced around $26 (plus postage).
Range of sizes according to breed.
In black only.

Poisoning vermin like rats and mice can often be the easiest solution but if your chickens also hunt them for food then poisons can be consumed by them, and in turn cause very sick or dying hens.

I have had so many requests for this tackling this topic as I know many people have an out of control rat problem in their yard. Some rats have become so big that they can easily open treadle feeders and reach hanging water sources; really all the things recommended to deter them in the first place.

If you are easily offended by baiting and trapping, then please do not read any further. So rather than complaining, please be respectful of other people's situations. These methods are designed to help poultry owners who have genuinely asked for help in their situation.

Poison bait traps should only be employed if you know that your poultry are not keen on consuming vermin. Using bait toss bags in the storage sheds or a bait box system, where the vermin need to go inside to nibble at the bait so that no pets are able to access the bait.


KEY POINTS TO KEEPING VERMIN AWAY

• Cover all food sources in secure containers
• Use treadle feeders instead of open feeders (e.g. Grandpas Feeders)
• Hang water sources at chickens' chest height
• Leave no scraps out overnight
• Clean up spilled food daily without delay
• Clean up the yard and coop so that vermin cannot have places to hide and nest
• Clean the coop daily, looking for signs of vermin activity
• GET ON TOP OF THE PROBLEM QUICKLY BEFORE IT GETS OUT OF HAND AND THE RATS ARE BIGGER THAN YOUR CAT!

​

TRAPS AND DETERRENTS

Sweet Bait
Mix some Icing Sugar with Plaster of Paris in a container and leave it in a location that the chickens cannot reach.
What does it do? Vermin ingest and will go away to die.

Live Traps
Using a cage with bait will attract vermin and snap shut behind them, keeping them alive. Likely to only catch one at a time. Will require a location for release far from your property.
What does it do? Keeps vermin alive but requiring re-homing.

Mint
Planting mint around the outside of the coop - where chickens cannot access it.
What does it do? Deters mice (but doesn't kill) and chickens love to eat mint. 

Peppermint Oil
Saturate cotton wool balls with peppermint oil and place them in locations that you know vermin are likely to run through. Replace every couple of days.
What does it do? Deters rats and mice (but doesn't kill). Also repels cockroaches, bedbugs and fleas.

Hot Chili Spray
Mice are quickly deterred by a chili spray around the perimeter of the coop/run. Its not known if it will be as effective on rats but is worth trying. Respray every couple of days.
What does it do? Deters mice (but doesn't kill). May also repel snakes.

Good Old Fashioned Rat Trap
They're huge, the require setting with a steady hand, and yes, sometimes the tasty bait may get stolen, but they do the job and no poison is used. Place in an area that the poultry are not able to access so that they do not accidentally set them off.
What does it do? Breaks the neck of the vermin for a quick death without poison. Chickens are able to eat the mouse if so desired. Rat traps are bigger than mouse traps and are generally available at all hardware stores.

5 Gallon Bucket Mouse Trap
Great one for mice but not for rats as rats can swim. But I thought I'd include this one anyway.
Using a bucket with water, a run for the mouse to ascend, a stick or wire with either a thin PVC tube/drink container or piece of wood attached that will spin if walked onto. Spread a little peanut butter on the spinner to attract the mouse.
What does it do? The mouse will run for the bait and fall into the water and drown. Chickens are able to eat the mouse if so desired.


OTHER GOOD NATURAL METHODS

Cats - they are a natural predator of vermin and can be encouraged to hunt from a very young age.

Birds of Prey - owls amongst many others are also natural predators of vermin. Encourage a good habitat for them and take precautions with your poultry where necessary.