Kitty cat

[PastaChickenBoo]

The problem is that our mice come into the run and stole food, but we fixed that by sealing the run completely. They also used to poop in the chicken food.

 

[pennyJo1960]

you sure it is mice poop I know if chickens can poop in their food they will

 

[speckledhen]

Three years ago this month, a male orange tabby showed up on our property. I only noticed him because one of my roosters was following him down a trail toward the woods and I followed the rooster. Since we could never find his owner, we had him neutered, named him and he stayed. My current BR rooster was leery of the new predator, kept getting between me and the cat, would sometimes chase Finn, but later on, would actually steal the cat's mouse kills from him. Finn learned not to get too close to a broody hen very quickly. He would sometimes run at them to see them scatter, but he's never even tried to catch one, not even the month-old chicks. I would not trust any cat around day olds, but he has now been nicknamed the LGC, Livestock Guardian Cat.

Most cats won't mess with adult chickens. A starving stray might try it, but generally, they avoid them. My chickens chase Finn on occasion, too.

The story:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/th...date-with-videos-dec-31.935794/#post-14311168

 

[SueT]

Yesterday, our cat caught a mouse and was toying with it, still alive. One of our hens, a BR that was out free ranging, ran in and grabbed it from him! He hissed but she attacked him when he tried to get it back. She quickly killed it and ate it while poor kitty could only watch in dismay. I was glad she got it because he's been known to bring live mice in the house and lose them.

 

[BY Bob]

My cats have lost 2 battles with our hens. Now they watch but no longer get too close.

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

The cat came back today. My chickens noticed it before I did, and when he saw me he ran away. I put them back in immediately after.

 

[Folly's place]

He's probably looking for the mice, and will avoid your big birds. You could live trap him and take him to the local shelter, or find him another home, or something. I hope he does have a home, and wasn't just dumped in your neighborhood.
You could also ask around the neighborhood to fine his owner.
Mary

 

[PastaChickenBoo]

I see him walking on the streets a lot. He's probably a stray. I'm just incredibly worried that he'll pounce on one of them and snap their neck. But then chickens can peck...