It is said that getting rid of rodents such as squirrels, mice, and marmots is like digging a hole in the sand: No matter how thoroughly the area is cleared, it fills up again. [Super Valid Designs] thought it might be more effective to catch the mice alive in the chicken coop and release them farther away. To do this, it developed a semi-automatic ski lift.
The system consists of two parts:
- 3D-printed gondolas with acrylic windows that carry the mice falling from a feed-filled ceiling hatch, while also serving as traps; a hatch that opens at the bottom releases the mice into a brush pile.
- A lift made from wood and parts on hand; after testing, it began reliably carrying the mice and releasing them automatically.
It is not yet known whether the method is more effective than traditional approaches; simpler catch-and-release traps are also available.
Why It Matters
This project shows that the rodent problem in chicken coops is being addressed not only by clearing the existing area or using traditional traps, but also through an approach based on catching the animals alive and releasing them elsewhere. In this respect, it offers a different practical idea for coop owners who want to remove animals without killing them. However, it is not yet clear whether the setup’s more complex design is justified by the practical benefits it provides. In particular, whether the semi-automatic transport and release mechanism is more effective than simpler catch-and-release traps remains the key question awaiting an answer. Its reliable operation during testing does not, on its own, prove the method’s superiority in the field.