Getting cat acquainted with chickens?

[black_cat]

I have a large cat that is allowed to roam free outside. We are going to be getting chickens and I was wondering how people would recommend getting them acquainted so that they can both be out at the same time with no problems? I had planned to start with the chickens in their run and the cat on his leash so that I would have control of the cat. The cat does enjoy bringing me lovely gifts of chipmunk corpses, but has never attacked wild birds. I want to get to the point where I don't have to keep the cat inside when I let the chickens out.

 

[Folly's place]

Most domestic cats, especially those who have good food available daily, don't want to tackle adult chickens. Little chicks are another story!
Chicks with a broody hen are generally safe, because mama defends them.
Older chicks are pretty safe, depending on their size, and how the cat feels about adult chickens, especially standard sized birds.
Keep your chicks safe, and as they grow in size, watch how your cat feels about them. There will be mousing opportunities at the coop, and your cat will be very helpful there!
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

My last few adult cat rescues, when seeing adult standard chickens for the first time, were horrified! Their looks of absolute disbelief when seeing 'big birds' were hysterical! No way were these cats interested in messing with birds taller then they were!
Mary

 

[black_cat]

Most domestic cats, especially those who have good food available daily, don't want to tackle adult chickens. Little chicks are another story!
Chicks with a broody hen are generally safe, because mama defends them.
Older chicks are pretty safe, depending on their size, and how the cat feels about adult chickens, especially standard sized birds.
Keep your chicks safe, and as they grow in size, watch how your cat feels about them. There will be mousing opportunities at the coop, and your cat will be very helpful there!
Mary

I'm going to be getting some adult hens to start, (I wanted chicks, the rest of the house didn't even want chickens-compromise) but I have NO DOUBT that if I had chicks anywhere he could get to them they would be gone in four seconds flat. I do think that it'll be much easier with adult birds.

 

[black_cat]

My last few adult cat rescues, when seeing adult standard chickens for the first time, were horrified! Their looks of absolute disbelief when seeing 'big birds' were hysterical! No way were these cats interested in messing with birds taller then they were!
Mary

That's hilarious! My cat is pretty large, as cats go- but I don't think he'll be toooooo determined to get them. I will put him on his leash at first, but hopefully it won't take too long for them to be used to eachother.

 

[black_cat]

Update on this: My cat is TERRIFIED of the chickens! I put him down near them, and one 'bock cluck BOCK' sent him running! For chicks we'll definitely have an issue, but as of right now we're all good.