surprised cat

[panner123]

As I was cleaning out a coop today, I heard a roo alert. All the chickens in that area were looking at the blackberry patch. Then the ram I have in with them froze and I saw what they were watching. A cat had got into the run. My 2 big roos headed off for it, only to have it run at them. Once again the ram earned his feed,
he hit the cat broadside and sent it flying. This is the second time I have seen him chase a preadtor from the run. I may need to get a few more sheep to keep in with the chickens.

 

[annie3001]

so sheep and chickens get along fine eh? i am wanting 2 sheep (i still have to convince the hubby)
do yours all sleep together?

 

[panner123]

Yup, the chickens and sheep sleep in the same coop. They get along just fine. The only problem I have is they try to eat each others food. They both eat the hay with no problems.

 

[MagsC]

A unique way of protection, but as long as it works, why not??

 

[NarutoTn]

no offence but poor kitty cat

 

[panner123]

Quote:
Now I don't eat cat, but I know some that do. Had the sheep not run the cat off, it may have fed a family a snack. A predator is a predator and it does not belong in with my chickens. Anyone that knows me or has read any of my posts here knows, I do not tolerate predators of any kind, two legged, four legged or those that fly. How this cat got into the yard is beyond me. The property has a double wire fence around it, plus an electric fence. Most of the run are covered. I can't think of much else to do to protect the chickens.

 

[fordmommy]

Maybe I should get a sheep. How are they at keeping dogs away?

 

[panner123]

Quote:
My 2 dogs have always been around my chickens, my facebook page is of my 13 year old dog and a baby chick. The sheep tolerate the dogs until they get to close to them. Then the ram runs the dogs off. Luckly the ram hasn't hit one of them yet. So I would say sheep will keep dogs away from chickens.

 

[fordmommy]

Quote:
My 2 dogs have always been around my chickens, my facebook page is of my 13 year old dog and a baby chick. The sheep tolerate the dogs until they get to close to them. Then the ram runs the dogs off. Luckly the ram hasn't hit one of them yet. So I would say sheep will keep dogs away from chickens.

I am seriously debating this. I had a neighbor dog kill more than half my flock. My dogs barked at him, but did not do anything, but allert me. If I were to get a sheep, it should be a male, yes?

 

[panner123]

fordmommy, I have both ewes and a ram. The ram is the one that is protective. Remember, when breeding season comes they can be a BIG problem too.
They will go though almost any fence to get at a ewe if one is near. Electric fence is almost the only way to keep them in.