how much of a threat at cats?

[fitzhugh512]

I decided to put a top fence over my hens after I saw a cat stalking them one morning

 

[Bronya]

Kill that rogue cat; end of problem! A crossbow bolt trough the heart works.

Like I said. I'm not up for killing animals. I work in animal care and I have duty of care towards any animal. I just want to protect my Chooks, not kill anything. Please don't suggest this again.

 

[Bronya]

Chooks*

 

[Ribbit]

The one thing cats are good for is keeping down the numbers of mice (I actually don't mind mice too much) and rats, but sadly a lot of other wildlife also gets caught up too.
We have a number of cats around our neighbours, and my parents detest cats with a passion so scare them off whenever they see them. I'm more of a pro-give-your-cat-a-bell-on-it's-collar type person but I can recognise when a cat is a threat. It's a good idea to take precautions and chase them off your property anyway before they start getting ideas.

You can get Cat Deterring devises but some could cause trouble for your chickens too, just make sure to do your research 8D

 

[ShellyTurtle]

Apple cider vinegar in a squirt gun!!!

 

[Mattemma]

Cats are only an issue for chicks or small breed chickens. I find roamers to be annoying,and would get rid of any that trespass.
People need to keep their pets in their own yard,cats included.I have 3 dogs and 3 cats and they stay in my yard.It all
comes down to responsibility and respect.

 

[LalahCatlady]

I live on an acre of fenced land in a very rural area. When I first moved in a neighbor's dog killed three of my cats in my yard because there was no gate to keep her out. I built a gate. Four or five years ago I started raising chickens and have had a LOT of trouble with raccoons (gates and fences don't bother them). They do love chicken dinner! My cats watch the chickens from a safe distance, but get out of the way if a chicken comes at them. All of my cats were rescued, unwanted kittens and I have had all of them neutered or spayed and get their shots regularaly (raccoons carry rabies).

Most cats will not bother your chickens, but there are humane ways to keep they away if you are worried. It is NOT necessary to kill them. If your neighbor won't keep his/her cat at home, tell them that they will have to pay for any chicken it kills, and they will think twice about letting them into your yard. Most urban areas (and some rural areas) require cats as well as dogs to be "restrained" so you should check with your local animal control . Please don't kill an animal that is doing what its instincts require. Blame the irresponsible owner and try to deal with them.

 

[filomeli]

I have many cats in the neighborhood. I have seen one on only one occasion chase the chickens. I have also seen a hen with chicks chase cats several times. Mostly, they just seem curious. The other night one of my chickens got locked out of the coop accidently. Around 1am I hear a horrible cry and out I went. After I saved her and had her in my arms ( somehow she escaped the cat) I went back to the coop and in the run there was a familiar cat trying to escape. Feathers were everywhere. I think that is what saved her. She was feathered out from winter and so she had a lot of insulation and a loud cry. She is recovering nicely. I think during the day grown chickens are okay around cats but not chicks with out a hen to protect them. Good luck.

 

[AdamsFamily4]

I have a Manx. He weighs about 20lbs. and is an avid hunter. We can't let him out when we have juveniles roaming freely in our yard. He'll kill them. Once the birds are full grown, he leaves them alone.