Are cats a threat to my chickens?

[whatthecluck]

Good idea with the traps and neighbors etc. Like that. Thing is we have plans to fence an acre...we are in town so I am not too terribly concerned about predators...though there are skunk around. DH doesnt like the idea of letting the birds out of the coop...but they are in an old (1810) 2nd story barn coop and not in an outdoor run. I cant carry them up and down but was thinking more along the lines of opening the existing second story door and creating a covered ramp to the upper yard. There are really only two choices....that and they get to roam around with the kiddos during the day and eat grass and bugs

or staying in the coop. I cant build a new outdoor coop at this time....

so are they really going to take off on me and annoy my neighbors? Hmmmmmm...dh will say "I told you so!"

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Perfect conditions. Give them about 75-100 sq feet per bird and just fence in that much area. Add some shrubbery and other tall growth like sunflowers and amaranth to your "Chicken Zone" and let them run in there.
Deal with skunk and other preds at the outer fence boundaries, before they get to the chickens.
Do some googling on Permaculture Zones. Chickens should be kept within Zone 2.

DH doesnt like the idea of letting the birds out of the coop...but they are in an old (1810) 2nd story barn coop and not in an outdoor run. I cant carry them up and down but was thinking more along the lines of opening the existing second story door and creating a covered ramp to the upper yard. There are really only two choices....that and they get to roam around with the kiddos during the day and eat grass and bugs

or staying in the coop.

Leave them in the present coop and just make a way for them to get out to their paddock area. Let your creativity fly (pun intended) and work it out. Use recylceld and inexpensive materials at every turn. Do not get elaborate. It only hurts your pocket book to do so - the chickens wont respect you any more for it.

so are they really going to take off on me and annoy my neighbors? Hmmmmmm...dh will say "I told you so!"

Not on purpose, and much depends on your neighbors as to whether they are an annoyance. Go talk to them - the neighbors, not the chickens.
Take them some cookies or liquor or whatever works and get them used to the idea up front. Chickens don't respect boundaries nor do they possess fidelity... they go where the food takes them. If thats in your neighbors yard, so be it. Better to get everybody happy with it now.

But therein lies your key to controlling them. Learn the concept of paddock rearing and scheduled feeding. Once you do, though they may wander about a bit, they will stick close to the feed and shelter of home. That is the design behind the 'ranging' of chickens.

I mean, after all... "whatthecluck!" (I absolutely love that

)​

 

[whatthecluck]

thanks I love BYC! You guys have great advice.

 

[Zombieattackready]

If I put a bell on my pullet would it keep the cat away?

 

[RWise]

Our chicken run isn't covered. How much of a threat will the neighbor cats be to our chickens?

Cats are my number one concern, and I dont have feral cats. They will come in alone or in packs, alone your chicks are in danger! In packs all birds in your flock is in danger, they will attack a full size full grown bird, day or night.
Check your local laws, here it is not legal to let a cat (or dog) run free. If you can find the owner ask them to keep their cat at home.