I really want a few outdoor cats to keep the moles and mice to a minimum. I was hoping to just be adopted by a barn cat, but so far no luck. Only stray dogs seem to want to stop by.
So my thought is to get a couple of young cats or old kittens. Craigslist is covered up with people wanting new homes for kittens. My question is how do I teach the kitten/kittens that this is home? I want these to be outside only cats.
I have (15) 12 week old pullets and (2) 12 week old cockerals. At night they stay in a coop and a 8'x16' enclosed run. Would it be possible to keep the kittens in there with the chickens until they learn that this is home? Will the birds and kittens hurt each other? Clearly I don't want to do that if eaither side would get hurt. I want the outdoor cats to see the chickens as part of the family and not as dinner.
What are my other options in teaching kittens that this is home? I have two very barky boxer mixes that live in the yard during the day and in the house at night. Also, I'm worried about little kittens being outside alone at night. There are random predators in the neighborhood. Back in winter there were coyotes. I haven't heard them lately, but I"m sure they're still out there. Also, there are a couple of large tomcats that make the occasional appearance here. I don't want to start a turf war!
Should I give up on outside cats and just get the mole-be-gone pinwheel thingy? I feel like I can afford to care for a couple more kitties and would love to add some to the family.
Thanks for the help!
CG
So my thought is to get a couple of young cats or old kittens. Craigslist is covered up with people wanting new homes for kittens. My question is how do I teach the kitten/kittens that this is home? I want these to be outside only cats.
I have (15) 12 week old pullets and (2) 12 week old cockerals. At night they stay in a coop and a 8'x16' enclosed run. Would it be possible to keep the kittens in there with the chickens until they learn that this is home? Will the birds and kittens hurt each other? Clearly I don't want to do that if eaither side would get hurt. I want the outdoor cats to see the chickens as part of the family and not as dinner.
What are my other options in teaching kittens that this is home? I have two very barky boxer mixes that live in the yard during the day and in the house at night. Also, I'm worried about little kittens being outside alone at night. There are random predators in the neighborhood. Back in winter there were coyotes. I haven't heard them lately, but I"m sure they're still out there. Also, there are a couple of large tomcats that make the occasional appearance here. I don't want to start a turf war!
Should I give up on outside cats and just get the mole-be-gone pinwheel thingy? I feel like I can afford to care for a couple more kitties and would love to add some to the family.
Thanks for the help!
CG