Free ranging 11 week old chickens

[Madame Cluck]

We have outdoor cats, but we would like to be able to free range our 11 week old chickens (1 rooster, 4 pullets) in the yard. Do you think they could defend themselves or should we lock up the cats in the barn any time the chicks are out? So far the cats have not shown any interest in the chickens while in their enclosed pen, but they are good mousers.

 

[mnferalkitty]

I have a colony of about 20 feral cats that live here, and I have 11 week old chickens free ranging with the big chcikens and have not had a problem. And just a side note the cats were here when we moved in and I have had them spayed and neutered

 

[SouthernChicka8]

It really depends. I let my chickies free range but have an area for them to do so. There are a few cats I have caught around my house. I leave my dog loose outside while i have my chickies free ranging in the side area. Its fenced off and all with plenty of nice green grass for them. My dog pays no attention to the chickies and just patrols the area for any unwanted cats.

 

[jokerjones]

chicken can handle cats...mine bully my dogs somtimes

 

[Den in Penn]

Growing up we had barn cats to keep the rodents in check. we also free ranged the young pullets and the neighbors had bantams who raised chicks free range. Never had a problem with loss. My cats now only watch for entertainment. Every once and a while one of the young cats is playing and rushes a hen, but its just play. Waiting for one to make the mistake of rushing the rooster.

 

[Madame Cluck]

Okay, I guess we'll give it a try. Thanks for the input everyone!