Donald - I have the same problem. Though the rats prefer sunflower seeds not so much white millet seeds. I came up with a solution that so far has seemed to work. I have my main seed feeder framed out with wood at the base. I cut to fit and laid a tarp underneath the feeder. I have a squirrel guard on the wooden post. Every evening I fold the tarp up and dump the seeds in a compost pile outside my fenced backyard. If any rats come to the compost area, predators get them because there is no protection for the rats in that area. It is in the open. I have bobcats and domestic cats in my area. As well as owls and hawks. I haven't seen any rats in my backyard or near my house since I started doing that. I also considered just dumping the fallen seed into a plastic trash bag to toss for the garbage pick up, but that seemed wasteful. I do get sunflower seeds sprouting in the compost pile! LOL!
