When to let chickens out of run and be with cats?

[tammyr2016]

My cats love to kill birds, mice, whatever they can. But after telling them no a couple of times with the chickens, things are great. My oldest one is a bird killer, but he totally ignores them. They free range right beside him. My other cat is younger and loves to lay with the chickens and watch them. Every now and then he will chase them, but he never touches them. Even gets on top of the run. You just need to keep a close eye on them to see how they will react.

 

[kickinthethroat]

Hey all, just an update...

I still have had no issues with the cats... Actually an interesting story...

We have 5 cats and 3 kittens... 3 of the cats are male, a huge black one, an orange tomcat, and a small black one. The big black one beats the crap out of the small black one to the point where the big black one does not allow him near the house. This means we now have a cat living with the chickens... I just caught him inside the coop eating from the feeder. During the day he is laying outside the coop with the chickens, he is always near them, the hens will even chase him.

A week ago was one of the rare times he wasn't out there with them, and we had a hawk attack and lost a hen. I have since put up flashers and an owl decoy and haven't lost any more. I also think the roosters/hens are more aware of hawks now as they stay under cover more... But I do think that cat being out there helped scare off some hawks!

I used to be annoyed that the cat was eating the chickens food, but if it keeps him out there with them as a hawk deterrent, I'm fine with it.

 

[redsoxs]

I agree with your cat experience. My cats (and I have too many!) are always around the chicks and chickens and I've never had an issue. They just seem to recognize them as a non-prey item. Interestingly though, I got Guinea keets this year and I have two cats that are fascinated...in a "I want to hunt and eat you" kind of way, with them. Not sure if it's their squawks or that they like to fly but they are enthralled. Safe now though since the guineas are over 1/2 grown. Good luck to you.