Rats!

Farming brings its own unique set of challenges, and one of the most persistent issues that we face at Weise Farms is dealing with rodents, particularly rats. These intruders not only eat food that is there for the animals, but also pose health risks to us and our our livestock. While many might resort to using poison to tackle this problem, we have been committed to finding natural solutions. This blog post shares our struggles, our accidental discovery while experimenting with traps, and the story of Gypsy, the barn cat we recently adopted from the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter.

The Challenge of Rodents, Mice & Rats

Rodents are more than just a nuisance on the farm. They can consume significant amounts of feed and contaminate supplies with their droppings. According to the National Pest Management Association, rats can carry over 35 diseases that can be transmitted to livestock and humans alike. Our primary goal at Weise Farms is to maintain a safe and healthy environment for our animals.

At first, we experimented with various traps, which led to several frustrating weeks. The traditional snap traps proved ineffective against our clever rodents. Sometimes the rats would carry the traps off to who knows where. So we started anchoring them down, which worked for a while. But after a while, the rats seemed to possess an uncanny ability to detect the traps and avoid them, leaving us with empty units and rising frustration. We also bought rat shot, which was fun. In fact my dad used to call it "Rat Fun." But when you open the door to find so many rats running all over the place, the effort is futile.

Rodents make such a mess.

To complicate matters, we noticed increased activity near the feed storage area. These critters were moving in and threatening our supplies at an alarming rate. We decided it was time to rethink our strategies for managing this problem without resorting to harmful chemicals.

Caught in a Trap

I can hear Elvis now. During our exploration of alternatives, we stumbled upon an unexpected solution. One afternoon, a few cernals of corn fell into a Rubbermaid tub, and to our surprise, it worked better than any trap we had previously tried.

As it turned out, the rats climbed into the tub but struggled to climb back out. This low-tech method allowed us to catch several rodents at once, and we were pleased to find a humane solution that didn't involve poison.

Close-up view of a Rubbermaid tub filled with corn attracting rodents.

Although this discovery contributed significantly to our rodent control efforts, we knew we needed a more long-term solution. We wanted to protect our farm sustainably while also promoting a harmonious ecosystem.

Enter Gypsy: Our New Barn Cat

In our quest for sustainable pest management, we decided to adopt a barn cat. This is where Gypsy comes into play. After visiting the local shelter, we found this friendly feline who had been looking for a home. Unlike traditional household cats, barn cats are bred to live and work in outdoor environments, making them excellent rodent hunters.

As soon as Gypsy arrived at Weise Farms, we took great care to ensure she felt comfortable in her new surroundings. We set up a cozy area for her with food, water. Gypsy quickly began to explore her new domain, sniffing around corners and taking in the sights and sounds of farm life.

We adopted Gypsy Cat - A barn cat from the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter.

Over time, we have seen Gypsy settle into her new routine. Each day, we provide her with fresh food and water, and a fan because it is hot. We are diligent about ensuring she has a safe environment to thrive in. And we agreed to keep her in an escape free barn for at least two weeks. By keeping her sheltered from storms and extreme temperatures, we’re hopeful she will adapt well to her new role as our resident hunter.

Caring for Gypsy Cat

Ensuring Gypsy's well-being is just as important as employing her to manage the farm's rodent population. We have embraced our responsibility to provide her with cat food and fresh water to make sure she is happy. We want her to be an effective hunter, but we also want to make sure she has plenty to eat.

As she acclimates to her new life, we encourage her natural instincts by allowing her free reign over rodent activity. We have already noticed fewer rodents with Gypsy's presence as she prowls around, ensuring our farm stays as pest-free as possible.

The Benefits of Adopting a Barn Cat

Adopting a barn cat like Gypsy comes with numerous benefits beyond just pest control. First and foremost, it's a compassionate act that gives an animal in need a second chance at happiness and purpose. Gypsy is an older cat, nine years old is what the shelter estimates. She was never anyone's pet, and that makes her stand-offish and afraid. As we talk to her daily, she is not looking as fearful of us as she did in the beginning.

Additionally, barn cats can improve the overall health of the farm environment. By controlling rodent populations, they help maintain the balance of nature. Without the use of harmful chemicals, we preserve the ecosystem surrounding us. This aligns with our mission of sustainable farming and appealing to consumers who value ethical and eco-friendly practices.

Moreover, there's an undeniable bond that forms between the farmers and the animals we care for. I hope one day we can pet her, but that isn't going to happen instantly when you adopt a nine-year old cat. In a world that often seems disconnected from nature, having Gypsy around reminds us of the beauty of companionship and responsibility.

Looking Forward with Hope

As we reflect on our journey at Weise Farms, we find that the combination of our creative trapping efforts, the accidental discovery with corn, and the adoption of Gypsy represents the lengths we are willing to go to ensure our farm is not just productive, but also compassionate.

Now don't judge our cobwebs - this is a barn and volunteers are always welcome to clean it for those who disapprove of seeing under the hood of a working farm. But Gypsy Cat is loving the rafters and the cedar poles for climbing and the nooks and crannies to lurk and search.

Gypsy Cat loves climbing high in the barn, and the rodent population offers job security.

The road ahead is still filled with challenges, but we believe that with Gypsy Cat as part of our farm, we get to enjoy seeing her as she progresses to a hard working farm hand. We encourage fellow farmers to consider humane and natural methods for pest management and the positive impact of welcoming an animal from a local shelter into your agricultural ecosystem.

Every small act contributes to a larger narrative of compassion and sustainability in farming. We can choose to coexist with nature, making mindful decisions that resonate throughout our communities. Thank you for joining us on this journey at Weise Farms as we embrace a harmonious life with our furry friend, Gypsy.

If you are interested in adopting a barn cat, visit the Gardenia E. Janssen Animal Shelter, or a shelter in your local area.