We are going to be getting our first chickens soon so I've been on here reading up on what precautions to take. Our neighbor has a cat that crosses our yard on a daily basis to hunt the field on the other side of our property. Our German Shepherd has gotten used to the cat and usually will let it cross without chasing or barking. Our run is completely fenced on all sides and on top so I'm not too worried about when they're in there. My concern would be if we decide to let them free range, would the cat be a problem? We also have quite a few fox and racoons along with a coyote or 2 from time to time. We've seen the fox and coyote a few times during the day but the coons are usually caught on trail camera at night.
I do not think that the cat will be a problem, at least with full-grown chickens. A cat would have a hard time catching a large fowl chicken. However, be careful when you chicks are only partly grown, as a cat WOULD probably try to harm them when they are small. I'd be more worried about foxes and raccoons.
If the cat is outside cat or a feral it will be a problem with young chickens or even with full grown bantams. I live in area where predators are scarce but we do have a lot of cats (middle of city) When I free range my bantams (but that is all I have) I have actually had a cat jump smack in middle of the free ranging flock when I was with them! So in short, full sized chickens not a problem, anything less then that and yes it would be a problem.
yeah, I'd agree, you're coons and coyotes are your concern! I'd start trapping for the ASAP, as they will eventually get to your girls. Unless ya keep them in a predator proof coup at night.
