Ribh's D'Coopage

[RoyalChick]

Nice idea but: No, I don’t want a big rooster with my bantams. They are just too heavily shaped for the tiny bantam hen bodies.

And in my opinion its never worth the risk to add a temporary newcomer with possible diseases in my flock. I think its forbidden too nowadays, because we have serious HPAI restrictions.

A cat in the run is no big problem, just a nuisance for the chickens and little songbirds that visit the run too.

The cat mint idea is worth trying. It is easy to grow and unlike other mints it doesn't take over your whole garden. If you plant it away from the run there is at least some chance the cat chooses to sit near it instead of going into the run.
Not all cats respond to cat mint but I believe most do. I once had a cat that would lie under the cat mint in some kind of drug coma (though I admit it is sometimes had to tell with cats). He would lie on his back with his tongue lolling out!

 

[RoyalChick]

It is nearly Caturday in Oz and I am getting a stern dressing down because I tried to move my canvas bag to avoid it getting covered in cat hair. Too late now.

 

[Grammy60]

Good evening everyone

@Ribh I will for sure post pictures of my new cups

 

[rjohns39]

Good evening folks

 

[BY Bob]

Since you are an expert on cats and there are obvious a lot of chicken + cats experts in this tread I have a question for you all.
I have a neighbour cat that often goes into the run if the chickens free range. The chickens don’t like that. A few weeks ago I had the idea that they posted at the entrance of the run to block the entrance to the run to keep the cat out. The chickens barely want to free range anymore. Could this be true?
Now the fresh green grasses and other springlike things (bugs) is coming to life and this seems to tempt the chickens too much to stay in the run.
The cat comes in the run again if the weather is nice. And the chickens don’t go back by themselves after their usual round to take a break. Is there a cat friendly way to stop her to hide somewhere in the run?

The chickens are not very afraid of the cat, but afraid enough not to go in the run.

You need one hen that will chase the cat off. I have one and that solves everything. If the tribe wants to go someplace the cat is, Glynda just chases the cat off.

 

[BY Bob]

Would bantam Vorwerk work too? I can’t have big chickens. But a Bantam size would fit great. Plan is to buy some fertilised eggs again in spring when I have a broody.

Glynda was a legbar pullet (maybe 2.5 lbs) when she took on a 20lb cat in that video. A bantam with the right attitude will get the job done.

 

[BY Bob]

Now that's interesting to know! I have had a lot of trouble with my Vorwerks ~ mostly neurological issues. One of mine went lame for months & though she eventually recovered she was always a bit unsteady on her feet. I had another one go down last week. Massive dose of vitamins & antibiotic & she was right as rain in the morning. Your gene pool will be much better than ours though.

They really have been trouble for you. They are such attractive birds I had high hopes for them.

 

[Shadrach]

You need one hen that will chase the cat off. I have one and that solves everything. If the tribe wants to go someplace the cat is, Glynda just chases the cat off.

Glynda is quick! Side step attack with it.

 

[BDutch]

This afternoon Sen the cat was very disappointed the run door was closed.

Thanks @BY Bob , but 2.5 lbs is > double the weight of my Dutch. And almost twice the weight of my bantam RIR.

The cat mint has another name here (nice those latin names). Kattekruid (cat herb). I could try this but I’m afraid it attracts more neigbourhood cats. Which is no solution at all.

Maybe I ask the neighbour to take their dog into our garden more often. . Its a lovely dog who like to play with the cats and the chickens if he sees one. he can’t enter the coop when I put the door on the hook (I always do). Crazy idea .

Maybe the best solution is to lock the cat in the coop and take the hose out. That certainly would teach her a lesson. But not so nice to keep a good relation with her. I do have to feed her if the neighbours are going away for a vacation by the end of the month.


The dog when he was a pup (suppose so).

PS I found a breeder of bantam Vorwerk about 10-15 km from where I live.

 

[MaryJanet]

View attachment 3374481
This afternoon Sen the cat was very disappointed the run door was closed.

Thanks @BY Bob , but 2.5 lbs is > double the weight of my Dutch. And almost twice the weight of my bantam RIR.

The cat mint has another name here (nice those latin names). Kattekruid (cat herb). I could try this but I’m afraid it attracts more neigbourhood cats. Which is no solution at all.
View attachment 3374467

Maybe I ask the neighbour to take their dog into our garden more often. . Its a lovely dog who like to play with the cats and the chickens if he sees one. he can’t enter the coop when I put the door on the hook (I always do). Crazy idea .

Maybe the best solution is to lock the cat in the coop and take the hose out. That certainly would teach her a lesson. But not so nice to keep a good relation with her. I do have to feed her if the neighbours are going away for a vacation by the end of the month.

View attachment 3374474
The dog when he was a pup (suppose so).

PS I found a breeder of bantam Vorwerk about 10-15 km from where I live.

Cats are very good at finding warmth. Maybe make a toasty warm bed some distance from the chickens' run?

That's a cute puppy! Is it a Lagotto?