What chickens do well with a lot of cats?s come and go and are in the

[lauralou]

My cats and my chickens are friends. Really, they play games together, even. Hilarious!

I was kinda worried when I first got the chickens, but everything has worked out just fine. My cats don't even bother tiny little chicks. That's not to say that yours won't! Just that mine don't.

 

[The Zoo]

I have 3 indoor cats and 2 outdoor ones and they're all scared of the chickens. I think once the chickens get to a certain size they go from 'possible dinner' to 'intimidating'.

 

[possumqueen]

Quote:
I'm with harrelldjr. One good broody hen will do the trick.

And it doesn't even have to be very big. I had a little banty broody hen take out one of my tom cats once. I saw the whole thing. If looks could kill she didn't even have to get off the nest. He was on his way out before she got after him, but that wasn't good enough for her. She ran him down and flogged him all the way to the door, just by way of letting him know he was headed in the right direction.

And that was a good, rat killing tom, too, so he was no wimp.

 

[KatyTheChickenLady]

we have two country cats that the hens totally bully and steal the cat food from. One of the hens and the younger cat pay a version of tag that can last for hours the free ranging bunny often gets in on it too.
BUT we also have large male ferral cats that come around in the winter, the girls give them one good peck to remind them who is boss and they completely leave the chickens alone.

 

[Bandit]

My chickens are totally freaked out by the "slinky" cat who weighs significantly less than them. The cat gets his jollies by sneaking up on them, and then jumping out suddenly. You can see him laugh when they scream and run. The enormous golden retriever, however, doesn't get any response from them at all. They were raised with goats and I think they think he's a great big goat!

 

[PortageGirl]

I would stick to larger dual purpose breeds, just because they're usually calmer, and big enough to intimidate most cats. Flighty nervous chickens sort of set themselves up to be chased, that flapping and squawcking is awfully inviting for a preditory and playful animal like a cat.

My half grown teenager cat thinks maybe they'd be fun to try to chase, possibly eat. He gives my hens a scare now and then, but as soon as the tables get turned and the hens start to converge on him, he freaks out and gets his little bottom out of range.

Yes, be VERY careful of your baby chicks, but once they're grown, they're mostly ok.... you got that mostly right? An exception is always possible.

Farm cats and chickens have coexisted for years and years though, ya just gotta be wary till they work things out.

 

[Lu King]

We don't have any cats, but do have a huge hungry stray male cat that looks over at our turkeys and chickens.....that are free range...and goes his merry way. They used to chase him out of the yard, but now the turkeys and chickens just ignore him. He sometimes sleeps next to some of the chickens. It is really fun to watch all this stuff going on.

 

[skydeas]

THANKS for all the great advice everyone who responded. I am feeling better about going for some backyard chickens now. (Just have to convince the 9 family members. They *might* be harder than the cats!)