what do I do about a cat predator

[Chicken kid12]

The cat got in once, ate one, and started stalking my chickens. Then, about a year later, he killed every chicken except one in our new batch, and a few days later killed the remaining one. Then, when I got back from girls camp months later, our favorite chicken and best layer was killed. We are fearing that the other sex links we own are in danger now, how do we get rid of "Catso"

 

[boskelli1571]

The cat got in once, ate one, and started stalking my chickens. Then, about a year later, he killed every chicken except one in our new batch, and a few days later killed the remaining one. Then, when I got back from girls camp months later, our favorite chicken and best layer was killed. We are fearing that the other sex links we own are in danger now, how do we get rid of "Catso"

Hello & welcome,
Is the cat yours?? There are a couple of options here. Firstly, make the coop & run predator proof, where a cat can get in, so can other critters. The cat is currently doing you a favor by showing you how poor your defenses are. Once you have taken care of security, it should be feasible to be able to keep the cat if you wish, otherwise humane shelter or euthanize it.

 

[Chicken kid12]

No, we dont have any pets, (Other then the hens) and we have done everything we could to fix up holes.

 

[Chicken kid12]

if it was ours we'd lock it up

 

[donrae]

Trap it
Shoot it
predator proof your set up.


those are pretty much your options.

but, unless you've seen the cat killing all these birds, I'd be doubtful. I'm sure a cat could kill chicks, but a full grown laying hen? My cats are afeered of my hens

. If there's an opening large enough for a cat to get in a pen, there's a host of other predators who could fit in there, also.

 

[Pinkaboo]

If its a stray ferrel cat then try rescue shelters see if they will take it
You can get sprays to deter cats from your garden, borrow a dog ?
Water pistols work well

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Unless your birds are very small and/or young, cats are very unlikely to be the culprit. Chicks, yes, but most adult birds are more likely to chase the cat than to be its prey. You can sprinkle flour on the ground outside the pen to see what tracks you find. Fixing holes is not enough. First, there shouldn't BE any holes. Second, your framework and wire need to be secure. If the top is open, it needs to be covered with netting or wire fencing. Gates/doors need proper latches; I also recommend using a spring to keep the doors closed, even when not latched. Electric fencing would help, too.

 

[Chicken kid12]

the first 5 were young, but our last one was full grown....... she was a black sex link and I think they are medium sized

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

the first 5 were young, but our last one was full grown....... she was a black sex link and I think they are medium sized

Then I doubt it was a cat that got her. Dog, hawk, raccoon, fox, coyote, bobcat,....are more likely

 

[Chicken kid12]

Ok, it wasnt a big enough hole for a dog....... and we dont have that wild of creatures. Racoons are a maybe, and so are minks, but I have also started a thread, called "How do I tell what kind of predator is attacking my chickens" I put more info there..... Thanks for the great advice Sonoran Silkies!!!!!