New to BYC

[sg76]

Ready to start raising chickens. Any idea on how much I have to worry about cats in the neighborhood? I live in an area where I don't have to worry about dogs or any other animals except cats. I will have a decent size coop but they will mostly be free range in the side yard area.

 

[Michael OShay]

Welcome to BYC. I'm glad you decided to join our flock. What kind of chickens are you getting? Cats are normally not a problem with the adults of large breeds (of course there can always be an exception), but with the smaller bantams or young chicks, they can be a real problem. Besides dogs and cats, rats might be a problem as well. Anytime you free range, even in the middle of a city, you run a risk of losing some of your flock. I would definitely advise locking them up securely in the coop at night. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have. We are here to help in any way we can. Good luck with your flock.

 

[Mountain Peeps]

Welcome to BYC! Please make yourself at home and we are here to help.

X2 on Michael. Cats generally won't bother the large chickens but they will defiantly go after chicks and smaller chickens.

 

[Wyandottes7]

Welcome to BYC!

We're glad to have you.

 

[TwoCrows]

Hello there and welcome to BYC!

You have received some good info. Good luck with your flock and welcome to ours!

 

[BantamLover21]

Glad you joined us!

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC. Cats will go after chickens whenever they feel like it despite the size of the chickens...had it happen.

 

[mymilliefleur]

Welcome to BYC!
Good advice from the other posters. I don't have much experience with cats and chickens, since I am fortunate enough to have brooder trusted cats.
Good luck with your birds!

 

[Kelsie2290]

Hello and Welcome To BYC and Happy Holidays!

 

[drumstick diva]

Cats will always be a big risk UNLESS you have a rooster of alpha hen that will take a good peck out of them and teach them manners. Do you have any kind of dog that might keep an eye on your birds and protect them?