Predator vs Chuck and Buck

[SuperDuck]

Most of you have real predators.... hawks, foxes, weasels, etc. I live in a neighborhood where waterfowl are technically prohibited. Yes. I am guilty of harboring illegal Chuck and Buck. They live in a sanctuary house . I have no plans of deportation in the near future.

Their biggest fear in life is running out of treats, and maybe an occasional pigeon stealing their food from their bowl as they drill holes in the mud. Imagine my surprise when I hear a ton of commotion out back this morning from them. At first glance I noticed my son had left their gate open. There is no harm in doing that. The worst that happens is they have access to the in ground pool and tend to take swim naps and leave extra poop in the pool.

And then I saw it. Someone's cat was on the pool side and cornered Chuck and Buck, ready to pounce. As soon as I opened the door the cat scrammed out and the boys were never happier to see me. Poor, pathetic boys were so scared. After some hugs and kisses and one heck of a story told (by them), they're back in their area, gate shut, digging in mud.

Now I need to figure out how to keep the cats out of our yard. We are not cat fans at all and they've been a problem for years but never have they bugged my boys until today. Any tried and true methods?

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

How large was that cat? Was it a real threat for two large Pekin Brothers?
Cats will come back if they think there's a meal for them…

 

[gmjarvi]

I'm assuming your yard is fenced? I think they make a rolling fence topper that is supposed to make it extremely difficult for cats to make it over. There are DIY versions, too.

 

[SuperDuck]

How large was that cat? Was it a real threat for two large Pekin Brothers?
Cats will come back if they think there's a meal for them…

Not much bigger than a kitten.

Does the cat stand a chance against two Pekin brothers? Seeing as they're more Pansy than pekin.... probably. We've had cats back there that normally don't bother the boys. This little bastard with a bell was different though and Chuck and Buck definitely were intimidated.

 

[SuperDuck]

I'm assuming your yard is fenced? I think they make a rolling fence topper that is supposed to make it extremely difficult for cats to make it over. There are DIY versions, too.

Yes. Fenced yard. I've seen the roller and while I could put it on my side, they could get up from the other sides. I'm afraid they could still get it and then not get out. That would be what nightmares are made of for the boys!

Had they used even half their brains they would have jumped in the pool and been safe. But they aren't the brightest either. Lol

 

[Jpat]

Motion activated sprinklers!

 

[gmjarvi]

Yes. Fenced yard. I've seen the roller and while I could put it on my side, they could get up from the other sides. I'm afraid they could still get it and then not get out. That would be what nightmares are made of for the boys!

Had they used even half their brains they would have jumped in the pool and been safe. But they aren't the brightest either. Lol

Hmm. What about a deterrent powder or spray sprinkled around the inside perimeter? I believe there are deterrents scented like urine of predators that cats avoid. Birds in general have a poor sense of smell (save for vultures), so it would not likely bother your duckies.

I wish people would keep their cats indoors! Sigh.

 

[quackiemama]

Ok so we have an American Bulldog that does like care for cats in her area. Our vet told us to sprinkle used coffee grinds around the perimeter of our house. I made so much coffee and saved the grinds until I had enough and spread them around my house, fence area, everywhere. Needless to say cats do not care for the smell. It at least worked for us.
And poor Chuck & Buck scared little babies. I just wish I could hug them.

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

You may want to check out Craig Turner's YT channel and draw some inspiration from his cat repellent water gun:

 

[Stoney Meadow Maple]

a red rider would work wonders.. especially if the cat thinks the ducks did it.