Cat killed one of my Silkies.

[jlushh]

A neighbours cat killed one of my silkies and I need a way to keep them away, since then I've been so scared about it coming back and keep going out to check on them.

It came last night and was stalking the chickens, I saw it and I just threw bricks at it until it ran away.

How can I keep them out of my garden?

I feel like killing it.

 

[whitlockj85]

I completely understand your frustration and I'm very sorry for your loss. We got our first silkie yesterday. How did the cat gain access? My wife and I are currently constructing our coop and everything we read said nothing beats hardware cloth. Just a thought. Hope this helps.

 

[jlushh]

The chickens free range in the garden, and the cat just hopped the fence! I'm thinking of putting spikes around the perimeter of the garden (on top of fence) so it can't get in.

I hate cats.

 

[Peeps4me]

So sorry for your loss. A secure coop and run are a must in your situation. Good sturdy fencing around and overhead of your coop and a very secure coop for the chickens to feel safe at night are a must. Are your chickens closed up in the evening?

 

[jlushh]

They're out at daytime and at night they go in to roost, their coop is very secure, nothing could get into that.

I just wish cat owners were more respectful, if a dog went into someone's garden and killed the pets it would be called viscious, but when a cat does it no one cares!

 

[nzpouter]

I feel like killing it.

what's stopping you, most my neighbur get 1 warning and that's it.

 

[Enchanted Sunrise Farms]

If you have silkies, it's not the best thing to let them free range without supervision. They can't fly to get away, and if they have large crests they can't see something coming for them. It's just a recipe for disaster.

The unfortunate thing about cats is that they are, in many jurisdictions, considered "free roaming", which means cat owners are not bound to keep them in their own yards. You can try talking to your neighbors, but my experience has been that it never helps. Generally, your only choice is to trap the cat while it's on your own property and take it to the local Animal Control. The owner may need to pay a fine to get it out and that may encourage them to keep their cat inside, but probably not. So you need a secure pen where your birds can be safe during the day.

And . . . so sorry for your loss.

 

[wsonphan80]

I love cats myself and have 3 that live peacefully with my chickens. They'll try to catch sparrows and other birds but pay no attention to the day old chickies scurrying around them. Go figure

Anyways, I'm so sorry for your loss. If you know who's cat it is, I'd give them a warning then call animal control if you see the cat in your yard again. I think the owners get a warning from animal control the first time and get fined every time they get called back again. If that doesn't work then I'd take the situation into my own hands. Ever heard of SSS? I've stayed up countless hours trying to ambush my chicken killers with not much to show for it. Best tactic for me is to use a live trap, it works while you sleep

Usually if I catch an animal, I scare the living poop out of it, mark it, and release it. Most of the time they never come back, if they do, I make sure they don't come back again...

 

[animals1981]

sorry but your silkies are doomed to get eaten by a hawk or anything that wants them they have NO DEFENSE, something will get them quick. They are small, slow, not smart, from my experience. If you dont want to supervise try some larger more savvy breed like a samutra or pheonix they are much bigger smarter faster flyers and fiesty.

 

[Randydeuce]

I lost my little RIR yesterday while she was roaming my yard. I hate cats. Now I keep the others penned up most of the day, unfortunately. I have dogs that usually go in and out and keep the cats at bay. Well, apparently the cat knows when they nap... The loss hit my wife the hardest. If I knew Id get away with it, the cat would cease to exist. I am trying various methods of deterrents I have found surfing the web. But trust me, if I can get my hands on the mangy pest varmint, Id be all the more comfortable. But for now, orange peels and wire above the fence is a good start....


Did I mention I HATE CATS.