cats

[mrmolases2]

i let my baby chickens outside for the day and i went outside and they was a cat and all the chickens were running and i'm scared the cats going to come back what the laws can i shoot it if it try to hurt my chicks but not kill just hurt so it does no come back is that ok is there laws that say otherwise.

 

[WRanch]

You probably need to confine your chicks in an area that cats can't get to them. Wait until they are older and larger before letting them out where cats are. My cats didn't bother my girls at all because I waited until they were about 5 months old to let them play outside their coop & run.

 

[Sneebsey]

x2

And I'd suggest that it's probably not the best idea to shoot someone's cat. I'd be pretty angry if mine came back with shot in him. Cats are predatory animals, and if chicks are unprotected then it's only natural for them to become prey.

 

[mrmolases2]

yeah but low power bouces off and it like a wild cat

 

[Rickba]

Quote: This is BS, Anyone cats, dogs or any other animals invade my space to do harm to my animals will die. I have no problem shooing them. I shoot 'em, drag 'em back in the mountains and that's it. Problem solved.

 

[Sneebsey]

It is your own responsibility to protect your animals from harm, with a priority of keeping them safe and secure with adequate housing, runs, and protective measures (why would you let young chicks free-range in the first place?) however there is a moral and LEGAL difference between dispatching a wild animal and taking pot-shots at your neighbour's pet.

 

[PirateGirl]

The laws vary by state. I would call and ask your local animal control what your rights are. Sometimes they will even offer up loaner traps to help the stray population if its feral cats you are concerned about. I know in Colorado we are a "fence out" state which means if I want to keep others' animals off my land I need to build a fence to keep them out and off my property, but animal owners are not required to build any sort of fence to keep their animals in. It's good and bad. Good because it allows for things like free range cattle, but bad because people don't have to be as responsible in regards to where their animals are. Good luck. Also I found that where I live a paintball gun is acceptable in some situations to scare off wildlife since I am too close to neighbors to be allowed to shoot the animals.

 

[snow5164]

I live in the country and have seen my share of unwanted pets in my yard . I have a gun but have choosen not to shoot the dogs and cats but shoot around it or over them to give them a scare .... you can also get a trap and take the cat to a pound or rescue.

Yes, it's my yard , but I can't with a clear conscience kill someone's pet because the owner is irresponsible.

 

[Red5]

How do you know it is not feral? Feral cats are extremely rough on wild animal populations in a lot of areas. And then, does it even matter if it is feral? It knows the birds are there and will be back. Yeah, communication first is the best primary step, if that is even a reality. I suppose a person could trap it if you have the funds to do so and I have no issue with that, however, I am not going to pay to shelter the thing in a pet sanctuary.

 

[snow5164]

I love how we live in nature , then get upset when natures animals come visit !!

I agree that letting young chicks free range is a risk and if you think the cat will come back a little " target practice" over their heads has been enough to scare my area cats away. The really cute grey and white one with green eyes? Well him we kept