Ever heard of cats killing chickens? Need help with injured.

[msshepherdess]

I haven't seen it, but I've seen cats stalking my chickens. This week I've had 3 killed and 2 injured. Its a very sad time. These were my new layers for the fall. Should I just go ahead and kill the 2? One is now missing a wing and the other doesn't seem to have any external injuries but can't walk.

 

[Wolfpacker]

See my post of yesterday (Friday 13th). I'm wondering if a cat reached through and tried to grab one of mine. Her wing was nearly torn off. But she's surviving. I took mine to the vet. Cost a hundred bucks.

 

[usbr]

Cats can and do go after chickens and just like foxes, coons and other nusance animals, once they get a taste of chicken, they will be back.

Wolfpacker, with a full wing removed, I am guessing thats more of a coons grip than a cats claws (just guessing though).

HTH

 

[justusnak]

msshepherdess : Yes, definatley....a cat can and will kill chickens. I wouldnt put the other 2 down, unless you feel there is no hope, and that they are suffering. I WOULD however, get a trap...and catch that cat...and rehome it....to the pound. It will be back...and your chickens might never be safe...unless you can afford to build the "fort knox" of coop and run.
I am so very sorry to hear of your loss. It never gets easier....whether its the first, or 100th. They are still our babies.

 

[SpottedCrow]

The two wounded should pull through okay...I don't think that cat would have just eaten a couple of pieces and pulled wings off...that's more likely something a raccoon would do.
I'm sorry for your loss too.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

Our cats go outside and hang out with the chickens. They never try to kill them. I hope your little babies pull through

 

[silkiechicken]

Good luck with your chickens... I think it was a coon. A cat is more sly than that and will pounce rather than pull. Their arms don't have that oposable thumb thing going on at the tips.

Edit: My cat and the strays steer clear of the chickens...