"Feral" cat colony (TNR).

[Kiasoulstar]

We have what was a ferral cat collony all are fixed and chipped threw the Trap Nuter Rrlease program.. I have lost 2 8 week old chicks, cat had one of my hens pinned, no injorys, this morning. All has happend during free range time. Needing natural and non harmful ways to deter the cats from coming in my yard.

 

[LaFemmeKatia]

Do you have a fence around your yard?

 

[The Moonshiner]

 

[black_cat]

View attachment 2241449

I thought that we were going for not harmful ways?

 

[EverythingDucks]

This is what I've heard works
Scatter fresh orange or lemon peels. Wet coffee grounds—which you may be able to get for free from coffee houses and fast food chains—and metal pans filled with vinegar also deter cats. an out-of-the-way spot in your yard.

 

[Kiasoulstar]

Do you have a fence around your yard?

Yes we have chain link and wood, our yard is fully enclosed

 

[Kiasoulstar]

View attachment 2241449

Has crossed my mind LMAO

 

[The Moonshiner]

I thought that we were going for not harmful ways?

Sorry I thought that was fairly harmless.
My first suggestion was gonna be....

 

[Folly's place]

Electrified poultry netting might work, and only having adult standard birds outside, with a large active rooster or two.
A guard dog eventually, but that's an expensive long term project.
Meanwhile, a safe coop and run, and no free ranging.
Are your cats being fed? Hungry cats will try harder too.
And if there are specific cats who want to eat chicken, get them.
Mary

 

[Kusanar]

As stated above, cats don't like citrus and I just found this online " Essential oils are completely natural and made from plants. Oils like citronella, lavender, peppermint, lemongrass and orange tend to repel cats when they smell them and are nontoxic. "

Any of those smells could help repel them from the immediate area. You could also put "coyote rolls" on top of your fence, but depending on how much fencing you have that could get expensive.