AUSTINTOWN ZONING DEPARTMENT

Answer: Yes and No. The zoning office can approve non-domesticated  animals and poultry husbandry as long as they are fed and sheltered a minimum of 100 feet from adjacent dwellings.   If the threshold of 100 feet cannot be met than chickens and other non-domesticated animals are prohibited at your property. 

You can email the Zoning Inspector at dc@austintowntwp.com for a determination if your property can accommodate non-domesticated animals.

Do chickens cause rat infestations?  Answer: Yes.  Please click and read the following links:

https://the-chicken-chick.com/15-tips-to-control-rodents-around/

https://www.cdc.gov/healthypets/pets/farm-animals/backyard-poultry.html

https://www.mypetchicken.com/blogs/faqs/do-chickens-attract-rats

Preventing Rats In A Chicken Coop

Knowing what attracts rats is the first step to either preventing or eradicating them. Chicken feeders and waterers will of course be your first suspects. It is important to make a conscious effort to reduce food waste and attempt to place food sources out of reach of rodents. Here are some solutions to this problem:

• Store extra feed in closed containers away from the coop
• Remove or cover feeders and waterers at night
• Make sure to collect any eggs before nightfall
• Secure your coop with wire mesh flooring
• Invest in a rodent-proof feeder like the treadle feeder
• Clean up any spilled feed before nightfall

Secure The Coops

Securing the coop is perhaps the most important measure you can take to help keep your feathered friends safe. Your chicken coop should have the following features to help keep those pesky rats at bay:

• High-quality locks, sliding bolts and padlocks
• 10x10mm galvanised wire mesh on all entry points, including ventilation points
• High-quality weather-resistant timber – rats won’t be able to gnaw through it.
• Elevated nesting boxes
• Plant rodent-repelling plants around the coop
• Place rodent traps around the coop
• Install electric fencing around the coup