Hi all, have you guys ever had a problem with cats pooping and peeing in the chickens dust bathing areas? Ohhh---- it drives me up the wall! I even had DH rotor till a little area by their barn and they still go where the birds like to lay. Is there any way to deter cats but not chickens?
Unfortunately, cats seem to go wherever they can scratch up enough "stuff' to cover their "goings". The chickens keep the dusting pile scratched up enough to make it very easy for the cats. I have cats that like to use the mulch around my hostas, which is pretty disgusting because the hostas are planted up the sidewalk leading to my front door. Not any smell in winter, but when the spring thaw comes it gets pretty rank! I try to stay on top of it. Is there a spot where only the chickens have access? Maybe make a dusting pile for them in a place where the cats cannot get into. Short of catching the cats in the act, I don't know what you can do to keep them from doing this. I'll keep on eye on this topic for others' suggestions. Good luck-I hope someone has some ideas soon.
What she said! mine go where ever there is enough loose ground to dig up. Be it dusting spots, flower beds, newly laid mulch. Fortunately I live next to the woods, they mostly use the deep natural litter casued by the leaves and pine needles.
Make a couple sand boxes for the cat. Put one piece of buried poop in it so they get the idea. Hopefully they move to that or maybe the chickens will move there instead. You also have to realize cats can be jealous. So they might just keep going ANYWHERE the chickens go... Just to say this is my yard f**kers get out! Bubba