When our neighbors got chickens, our other neighbor got very upset because they were letting them free range and they were getting on their property. I happen to agree with them that if they don't want the chickens on their lawn, they shouldn't ben there. The way our property lies, our chickens have stayed on our property so far, no problems, so they were never upset with us and it hasn't been a problem. We have a fairly large property, as well. But here's the part I find a bit hypocritical. They have a big cat. Big cat regularly prowls in our woods. Big cat pees all over our back yard. A few days ago, within an hour of letting out the girls to free range a bit, during the brood daylight, we lost a young bird (about 2 1/2 months) I am pretty sure to Big cat. If our little ones were bigger, they would probably have no problems defending themselves from Big cat. Not sure what Sir, our useless roo was doing at the time, unless he was rounding up as many as he could, but I found all the other girls squeezed into the kitty litter pan I bought for a dust bath in the coop. I realize that occasional loss is part of free ranging, but to a roaming cat? Should I say anything to them? Yes, no? FWIW, the bird was killed very far into our property line.
Yup, they are hypocrits. I would say something to them about not wanting their cat on your property. If they give you trouble or not listen to what you are asking them...then trap the cat and take it for a ride.
The cat is a predator and should be eliminated. We've had many talks about this on BYC through the years. Not only is that cat a threat to your birds it's killing wild native animals and should be TERMINATED.
Maybe call animal control to crack down on the neighbors? I hate to see the cat pay the price for being owned by irresponsible people. Do they have kids? The kitty may be a child's beloved pet. Just some things to think about.........
In MY opinion.. If your pet is soo beloved.. then you keep it ON your property. Just how my brain works though..
Quote:My brain works the same way. If you love you dog or cat, keep them at home. Fortunately for me, if any cat came around to our place for a visit, it would more than likely end up being a rottweiler snack. My rottweiler will not allow anything to harm the chickens because she knows they taste super good once cooked, and she's willing to wait.
Did you actually SEE the cat take your chick? If not, you really can't accuse it of doing so. It could've been any number of other critters. Not saying it couldn't have been the cat, but unless you witnessed it and have pictures, your neighbors aren't going to believe that their kitty would do that. Is it worth starting a war with your neighbors over a dead chick? I know, I know, they're your pets. Just like the cat is your neighbor's pet. Thing is, you are free ranging your chickens - that means that they are vulnerable to anything that gets into your yard. I hope you can work out a peaceful solution. Good neighbors are priceless.
The only reasonable thing to do is tell them that you lost a young bird yesterday and since you often see their cat on your property marking it...I would mention this if it bothers you) you are concerned that the cat killed it. And then see what they say. I'm not sure from what you have written, but they may not honestly know their cat is going around peeing on their neighbors property. Our cats can't get to the neighbors (too far) but I certainly have no idea where they are most of the time. It would be harder to keep a cat from roaming than a dog I would think. I do think that if your chickens were older they probably would have chased the cat. Mine do. But if you plan to have younger chickens again, and you will if chicken math kicks in, this is a risk that you can't afford to take. Keep it friendly until they: 1. Deny their cat gets onto your property. 2. Refuse to keep the cat in 3. Refuse to rehome the cat. Then decide what to do. I agree that the cat shouldn't have to forfeit it's life because of irresponsible owners. The cat does NOT know what it should and shouldn't do. the owners do-- therefore they are responsible. Good luck. We just went through this with the neighbors dog. The neighbor did 2 and 3. The next time the dog shows up it will be going to a shelter far far away.
Gotta agree with bobbi-j. Unless you know for sure it was their cat, I wouldn't make waves over it. You might mention that something got one of your birds, and their cat was seen in the vicinity. Make it clear that you're not placing the blame on the cat because you aren't sure if it was the predator or not. Keep the peace in the neighborhood, if not sure. If you actually see the cat trying to get one of your birds, it's time to have an understanding with them. Ed
