What cat breeds make the best mousers?

[Kev]

Good perimeter fencing really helps a ton. And then predator proof coop/runs.

It seems your situation might work best with cats and a livestock guardian dog breed as far as for the range of pests and predators.

However most of the livestock guardian dogs are not exactly for the novice...

If the chickens are either always or mostly confined to coop/run then the choice of dog is more flexible. Basically, dogs with variable prey drives would be allright in in this situation, just make sure they cannot have access to the chickens or let them out only when you can supervise. Make no mistake, many dogs will kill chickens if not supervised/trained.

LGD breeds are supposed to have lower prey drive, however you still need to be careful in choosing as there are some with prey drives in all breeds and some breeds/dogs tend to be more vocal as in barking all night as predator deterrent so if there are neighbors with sensitive ears.....

 

[drdon50]

Thanks, never thought of it that way.

 

[drdon50]

I plan to do this.

 

[123RedBeard]

Well... I thought that I found a solution but my family is hoping that I can find a dog breed that will be suitable for our situation.
Back to the drawing board.

I agree with the "cats hunt different than dogs" statement ...

Small dogs are very agile, and don't eat a lot, so they don't ... Poop a lot! most of the typical LGD's are not gonna be happy on a single acre ... And they bark a lot ...

Most of the terrier breeds will take care of rodents ... We are thinking of getting a rat terrier, to complement a bigger dog(s)

Not ours, but ...

 

[chrism]

Excellent advice!
I was at the drawing board last night while trying to get some zzzz's and just couldn't see a way that a large breed dog would work out well. I was doing a lot of reading and seeing a lot of talk about Mastif's, Sheppards and Pyrenees.
I've begun opening up more of my acreage for turkey, ducks and geese but right now I have just 1 acre closed in with electric poultry net with 50 hens.
A small breed dog like a terrier and a barn cat would be perfect for my situation.

Now I just have to find a breed that will be suitable for my zone 7A Central Va. winters.

 

[123RedBeard]

This is Sara our Schnauzer/Westie mix rescue ... Observing the neighborhood!



She's a good "helper" buddie!



Loves running in the grass!



Our buddie!



I don't know how close of neighbors you have, but most of the traditional large guarding dogs like to bark at night with a big deep loud booming BARK! They do tend to be up more at night, and should be kept outside.

Our little (30-35 pound) furry ears can hear very well, but she sleeps inside at night, well most of the time she is inside!

Most of the terrier breeds do well with catching critters ... And can still be snugglers!

 

[chrism]

Are you doing mechanic work while "carrying"? Now THAT is manly!

I have a love/hate relationship with sleep and so can not stand the sound of outdoor dogs barking at night.
The idea that I was the one creating that situation is a notion that is anathema to me.

I'm on a full fledged search for a medium size breed with a coat that can enable comfort in our winters.
I know that I still run the risk of a large predator attack but I need to be realistic I guess.
Just like my own house, I protect my entrances the best that I reasonably can and then trust Karma (and gunpowder) for the rest.

 

[Blue Godz]

Females will hunt more than males if you have both males & females. Think about a lion pride.

Other than that it depends on the cat's personality rather than breed. I have two Norwegian forest cats, they are supposed to be mousers but they don't hunt at all. They get along with the chickens just fine.

I also have a female tabby, she hunts occasionally. My melanistic bengal kills something almost every day. Mice, rats, birds, small opossums. My marble Bengal is spooked by everything and will not hunt.

If you are considering getting a cat please adopt from your local shelter or animal rescue.

If you get it from a rescue they might know the cat's personality better. Tell them you want a cat that is more on the feral side

 

[Blue Godz]

Are you doing mechanic work while "carrying"? Now THAT is manly! 

I have a love/hate relationship with sleep and so can not stand the sound of outdoor dogs barking at night.
The idea that I was the one creating that situation is a notion that is anathema to me.

I'm on a full fledged search for a medium size breed with a coat that can enable comfort in our winters.
I know that I still run the risk of a large predator attack but I need to be realistic I guess.
Just like my own house, I protect my entrances the best that I reasonably can and then trust Karma (and gunpowder) for the rest.

Rat terriers are true to their rep. But they are VERY energetic. Mine barks at everything during the day but sleeps through the night without making a single peep, but i don't know if that would be the same with all ratties

 

[Blue Godz]

Good perimeter fencing really helps a ton.  And then predator proof coop/runs.

It seems your situation might work best with cats and a livestock guardian dog breed as far as for the range of pests and predators.

However most of the livestock guardian dogs are not exactly for the novice...

If the chickens are either always or mostly confined to coop/run then the choice of dog is more flexible.  Basically, dogs with variable prey drives would be allright in in this situation, just make sure they cannot have access to the chickens or let them out only when you can supervise. Make no mistake, many dogs will kill chickens if not supervised/trained.

LGD breeds are supposed to have lower prey drive, however you still need to be careful in choosing as there are some with prey drives in all breeds and some breeds/dogs tend to be more vocal as in barking all night as predator deterrent so if there are neighbors with sensitive ears.....

Mastadors are great guardians cause they are big and intimidating, but I doubt it's in them to so much as hurt a fly, so they aren't good night watchers