Cats harrassing my chickens

[bendystar]

Hi, I have 3 chickens about 8 weeks old in what I think to be a secure chicken coop outside. We live in a suburban neighborhood and there are LOTS of outdoor cats in the area. I've noticed and chased away the same couple cats sitting outside the chicken coop totally freaking out my chickens.

Will the chickens get used to the cats and not be so freaked out? Should I worry that there's some way the cat can get to the chickens? I'm not sure how that would be.

How do I discourage the cats without trapping or harming them? I don't want angry neighbors since I'm not exactly zoned for chickens.

Thanks,

 

[zazouse]

get a motion censored water sprayer, every time the cats get near the coop tit will get them wet, cats don't like water.

 

[Terri O]

Once your chicks get bigger the cats will lose interest and your chickens wont be freaked out by them. Terri O

 

[Miltonchix]

Quote:
I'd be more worried about the cats being there than if your chicks will get used to them.

 

[elmo]

Neighbors who let their cats roam are why I don't free range my bantams without my supervision. We have a six foot tall board fenced yard, but a cat can easily climb over the fence. I spotted one cat sitting outside my chicken tractor, licking its lips. I provide some visual cover so they chickens don't feel so vulnerable in the tractor.