When is it safe to free range with cats and dog?

[Chicabeaka]

Hi there,

I have six chickens. 2 - 12 weeks old full size, 2 - 12 week old bantams and 2 - 9 week olds.

We live in the country and have all of the critters that come with that. Mostly Raccoons and possums. We have coyotes but I haven't heard them in awhile.

We have two barn cats that like to hang out in by the coop watching the chickens and 1 beagle.

Although they have a nice size coop and run I would like to be able to let them free range when I am home. I am worried about the cats, dog and whether they will go in to the at night. So far they have been very good about going into the coop on their own at dusk.

I welcome all advice, especially about the cats and dog.

Thanks!

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome! Most cats won't tackle a large bird, but will be happy to eat chicks. I'd wait a little longer to let them out, and do watch the cats and chicks when they are out, until the birds are larger. Your dog will need to be trained to leave the chickens alone, and you should be working on that right now! My barn cats are fed well by me, and will back off if a chicken comes close, but only the broody hens keep baby chicks safe. Your dog, on leash, needs to learn that the birds are yours, not toys or dinner on the hoof. Some dogs are easier to convince than others, so go slow and keep your birds safe. Puppies are easier to train than adults too. Mary

 

[Chicabeaka]

Thanks Mary!

 

[TexasChicken12]

My cat wanted to eat our chicks from the moment we got them. I wanted to free range our birds so this was an issue. After a while, I don't remember how old the girls were, we let them out without locking up the cat. He didn't even glance at them. He was more concerned about checking out the coop. I'd definitely make sure they were big enough before you tried them with the cat. Our great dain didn't bother the girls even when they were chicks.

 

[perrypogue]

Good Post

My chicks are about 12 weeks old and In also have been letting them free range. I do have a neighbor dog that would kill them if he got the chance but we're separated by two acres so he's not a huge threat.

As it turns out I have two roosters and I suspect that as they mature they will become able to defend the flock from a dog.

 

[Folly's place]

Dogs happily kill roosters too! Plan on a safe run, and consider having a chat with the neighbors about your new flock, especially if their dogs aren't fenced. Mary

 

[Chicabeaka]

Mary, any tips on starting to train the dog? He is a smart one. Maybe too smart sometimes! He is fairly easy to train, but every now and then he gets really hard headed and acts like we don't exist.

 

[perrypogue]

Mary it's a twisted web we weave...lol...

It's my brother's dogs...and he's the one who had chickens first and influenced me to get into it. And he's lost chickens himself to his dogs. He was trying to free range when the attack occurred....he no longer allows his chickens out of their pen.

Short of killing his dog I intend to protect my flock...I'm hoping rat shot in a .22 will deter the dogs. Additionally, I really want to free range.

I was hoping a mature rooster had a chance against a dog but I guess not.

 

[roseyred]

My cats are curious but not threats to the younger ones. As for the dog you just have to watch in person to see how he reacts. Maybe hang out with him on a leash in the run with the chickens and see how he is. Usually dogs are okay for the most part. The cats...once you have established that the dog is cool with them let them out and just watch the cats. Spend the day outside with the chickens. It'll be fun to watch them explore and you can see the animals reactions. My one cat will watch chicks and sometimes get close but she's never tried to get one. Once they realize it's not a mouse or something fast they don't care.