Baby chicks & cats

[Sandy Berry]

Hello! Although I've had chickens for a while now, I'm new to the baby chicks scene. I have chicks that are now around 2 months old. I also have cats that run around in the big chickens fenced yard. My question is, at what age can I let my baby chicks be exposed to my cats without putting their safety at risk?

 

[nuthatched]

It depends on your cats. My cats know better than the bother 'baby peeps' but they aren't known for catching birds. Instincts are a powerful motivator but at 8 weeks, I'd consider them on the large side for cats to bother with.

 

[Sandy Berry]

It depends on your cats. My cats know better than the bother 'baby peeps' but they aren't known for catching birds. Instincts are a powerful motivator but at 8 weeks, I'd consider them on the large side for cats to bother with.

Thank you for your input! I keep looking at them, thinking that they are a little big for the cats, but even though most of my cats are older (& couldn't care less about catching anything), I do have a couple of younger ones that do catch an occasional bird. I'm so anxious to let them out to explore their new world, but at the same time I would be heartbroken if my poor judgement brought harm to them.

 

[janiedoe]

I have cats and chicks.
My cat, Boo will kill wild birds but she has never bothered a chick.

This is Boo and some 7 to 8 week olds.
I generally let a hen raise my chicks. Most domestic cats won't bother a broody.
However, on the occasions, that I've raised my own, I've waited until they are six weeks to let them out with the big flock. I'm raising a few bantams now, and I may wait a little longer before releasing them.

 

[Sandy Berry]

I have cats and chicks.
My cat, Boo will kill wild birds but she has never bothered a chick.
View attachment 3219532
This is Boo and some 7 to 8 week olds.
I generally let a hen raise my chicks. Most domestic cats won't bother a broody.
However, on the occasions, that I've raised my own, I've waited until they are six weeks to let them out with the big flock. I'm raising a few bantams now, and I may wait a little longer before releasing them.

Thank you for your response!! Seeing your photo is very encouraging! My chicks are about that size, maybe just a hair bigger. I am leaning towards letting mine out later today, maybe about an hour before everybody's bedtime. That way I can stay out with them to keep an eye out.

 

[Sandy Berry]

Thank you for your response!! Seeing your photo is very encouraging! My chicks are about that size, maybe just a hair bigger. I am leaning towards letting mine out later today, maybe about an hour before everybody's bedtime. That way I can stay out with them to keep an eye out.

I have cats and chicks.
My cat, Boo will kill wild birds but she has never bothered a chick.
View attachment 3219532
This is Boo and some 7 to 8 week olds.
I generally let a hen raise my chicks. Most domestic cats won't bother a broody.
However, on the occasions, that I've raised my own, I've waited until they are six weeks to let them out with the big flock. I'm raising a few bantams now, and I may wait a little longer before releasing them.

By the way, what happened to the feathers on the one chick's neck?

 

[Ridgerunner]

By the way, what happened to the feathers on the one chick's neck?

That darn cat!!!

That is a breed called "Naked Neck", also known as a Turken. That's the way they are supposed to be. Nothing to do with the cat.

 

[Sandy Berry]

That darn cat!!!

That is a breed called "Naked Neck", also known as a Turken. That's the way they are supposed to be. Nothing to do with the cat.

Oh WOW! I did not know that! Glad to know that nothing got ahold of it... LOL

 

[janiedoe]

By the way, what happened to the feathers on the one chick's neck?

Naked necks are one of my favorite breeds. You should look them up. They take a little getting used to, but once you meet one, you can't help but adore them.

 

[The Ranch Girl]

a

I have cats and chicks.
My cat, Boo will kill wild birds but she has never bothered a chick.
View attachment 3219532
This is Boo and some 7 to 8 week olds.
I generally let a hen raise my chicks. Most domestic cats won't bother a broody.
However, on the occasions, that I've raised my own, I've waited until they are six weeks to let them out with the big flock. I'm raising a few bantams now, and I may wait a little longer before releasing them.

awwe it looks just like my cat Panda. She does the same and never bothers chicks