Any tips for keeping cat out of nesting box?

[thomasboyle]

Agrees, this^^^ might be a good solution.

If it's even a problem that the cat is sleeping there.
How many birds and how many nests do you have?
Are the birds laying elsewhere....do they really want the 'cat nest'??

A 'coop cat' that doesn't hurt chickens might not a bad thing to have, can keep rodents down.

I was thinking the same thing, that a coop cat would be a good thing. I have 3 barn cats and they all leave the chickens alone. When they were younger they tried stalking the chickens, but one of the hens had the good sense to charge the cats and peck them on the top of the head. One of the cats did a back flip when it happened. Ever since that incident, the cats no longer bother the chickens and ducks!

 

[speedy2020]

You can try spray pepper water in the nest or around the entry door. The chicken don't mind the pepper.

 

[Little Fuzzy]

I wish I was so lucky to have a coop cat, I bet just the cat smell would scare the mice away. I had an indoor cat once, she just sat there when a mouse ran past her. Very spoiled I guess.No more indoor cats for me.

 

[stearnj]

Thanks for the advice. I do have an old dog kennel with straw next to the coop in the hope that if the cat is in one place, the chooks can go to the other. I only have 3 so a very small flock, just enough for eggs for my needs. I leave the coop door open so they can come and go and use the nesting box and free range all the time ... but obviously the cat likes to free range too. I have a water pistol and might use that next time she is in the nesting box. She doesn't harm the chooks, just takes their laying area from them.

 

[stearnj]

I was worried about pepper touching the chooks but if it is not harmful I will make up a white vinegar, lemon juice and pepper spray and squirt it over the nesting box.