Sorry Dumb Question Time.

[dburge1]

Do I need to worry about a cat attacking my girls?? I have 5 Black Australorps, can they keep a cat at bay? I want to let them scratch around in the yard and there are cats around the house 1 mostly.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

Cats can attack chickens. Keep in mind I don't mean all cats but I would be watchful just in case. When/if an attack happens it'll be fast

 

[Ribh]

Are they your cats?

I have 2 cats, 2 BAs & 2 BRs. I monitored the girls & cats for their 1st few meetings. One cat had a go but a BR on its haunches with wings spread is too big for your average cat to take on. Now he leaves them alone. Your cats can be taught to leave the hens alone.

However a stray cat or a feral is another matter & I would never leave my birds alone with one about. Hunger will drive animals to incredible feats.

 

[dburge1]

Are they your cats?

I have 2 cats, 2 BAs & 2 BRs. I monitored the girls & cats for their 1st few meetings. One cat had a go but a BR on its haunches with wings spread is too big for your average cat to take on. Now he leaves them alone. Your cats can be taught to leave the hens alone.

However a stray cat or a feral is another matter & I would never leave my birds alone with one about. Hunger will drive animals to incredible feats.

I try to watch and the cat when he is around, he has not attacked but does watch them and stalks them.

 

[Cjs123]

As a general answer, unless a kitten is raised around chickens it is a natural behavioral response to stalk and kill birds, mice, rabbits, whatever. I'm not familiar with training a cat to go against their instincts. Could be possible. I have no idea. I do know that free range is a real challenge for most chicken owners. I wish you all the best with this. Please keep us posted.

 

[dburge1]

My cat i guess, it has adopted my wife as it's owner.

 

[yickenscarf23]

My cat is a little hunter. She's brought it big squirrels, rabbits, ect. But gives the chickens no mind at all. She's even a bit fearful.

 

[gimmie birdies]

if a cat tried to attack an adult chicken it would squawk and flap, that is usually enough for a cat to get skiddish about it.

 

[dburge1]

if a cat tried to attack an adult chicken it would squawk and flap, that is usually enough for a cat to get skiddish about it.

Thank You for the reply

 

[Anaray]

Our Koda was not raised with chickens, but has been fascinated since we got them. Of course we were careful with him and the chicks initially.

That is not to say nothing can happen, but Australorps are not exactly tiny.

We have 2 other cats and a stray, with no issues.