Killer Rats

 So things went downhill during the summer.  We incubated a number of chickens.  They stayed under a brooder until they were able to go outside.  First day, I found a dead check.  No signs of injury.  The next day, another dead chick.  This time, there was blood.  The next day, another dead chick.  This one had a bigger hole with blood.  I decided to move the chicks.  Then 2 more were killed, and one was injured.  I had to put that one down.  I hated to do it.  I moved the rest inside till they were old enough.  I checked around the rabbit cages.  I found some rats.  I even shot one in the face with a BB gun.  He got away.  Luckily, we still have 6 chickens to add to the flock.  I wish I could use poison, but I also found a dead owl over the summer.  I think it caught a poisoned prey.  There were no signs of injury.  I have not used poison, so I do not want to use it if it will harm other animals.