chicks and kittens...or kittens and chickens?

[brennamae]

Not only are we the new parents of eight (now 3 week old) baby chicks, but we are also the new residents/owners of an old victorian house that's been largely unoccupied for the past 20 years. We have a minor mice/squirrel problem, and we're hoping to get some kittens to raise and help deter that from growing into a larger issue. The question is...do we get kittens now and raise them along with the chicks? Or do we wait until the little ladies have grown into chickens and then get the kittens so they're smaller than the chickens.

 

[peepmommy]

When we started our flock last year I received my day old chicks July 17. We ended up with two "rescued" kitties for the barn in the beginning of Sept. They were pretty young at 4 weeks or so. You should see them now!!! The chickens can walk literally on top of the cats and they don't even flinch! I think having them young together is a good thing. We are about to get some new day old chicks, but I will be keeping a good eye on my kitties since they are great hunters until the chicks become older... Good luck!

 

[brennamae]

Wonderful to hear peepmommy! I hope ours become fast friends. Did you do anything to integrate the kittens and chicks? Any other advice on creating a friendly environment for all?

 

[mcjessen]

I raised my first batch of chicks with one adult cat and one kitten. I kept the chicks contained of course but once they feathered out and were big enough to go outside they terrorized the cats.

 

[myhubbycallsmechickeemama]

I have 3 full grown cats and my chickens send them running!! I have never had one of my cats try to go after a chicken, just the other way around.