I'm so very sorry to hear of your loss....simply heartbreaking. Does this cat appear to belong to anyone? If so, and provided you're able to locate who, what are the possibilities of suggesting politely they keep their kitty confined due to the danger they pose to your birds? Perhaps someone else more experienced in this area can chime in with effective feline deterrents.Have been letting my hens free range in our fenced in backyard for a year & never had any incident. Last week, our Silkie got attacked by a cat & got killed. I was shocked. I've only ever seen cats watching my hens curiously, never attempting to get at them. The cat came back a few days later, but thankfully, I was watching out the window & shooed it away. It looked ready to pounce off the fence after my other 3 hens. They are full grown hens, Barred Rocks & an Americauna. So, bigger than my Silkie. I havent seen the cat again. Just wondering how I can keep it away. Im afraid it found my yard & wants my chickens.
My hens are safely locked away in their coop at night. So not worried for them at night.
On the other hand, not to sound completely harsh, but unless you live in town where such things are prohibited, you have every right to eliminate predators with a bullet if they're on your property. As much as I love most animals, I have no problem protecting my babies when needed.
A call to animal control could also be a less "violent" option.
~Alex
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