Have just been moving my compost bin as it was falling apart which meant shoveling the compost back into the bin in it's new position. Half way through moving the compost a bloody great rat came flying out and has disappeared into the field behind our house.
A bit of careful exploration has just uncovered a group of very young babies, no more than an inch long, no fur and eyes closed.
Now I don't really want rats in the garden but figure they were doing me no harm and don't want to kill them. I can't leave half a pile of compost uncovered cos the rain will wash it away, so if I put a tarpaulin over what's left do you reckon mum will come back? Though I guess one of our cats will be able to get them. Any ideas rat fans?

