Why do they like this particular spot so much?

[User395221]

Yeah you're probably right. any other way to make that area undesirable?

Personally, I think the only way to keep chickens out is by fencing. They won't co-operate with ANY other ideas you might have about ANYTHING.
Oh, and make it a really good fence. If they figure out they can fit through somewhere, that's exactly what they'll do.

 

[Ursuline Chick]

Even fencing doesn't always work. When we first got our chickens one black orpington hen jumped the five foot fence and cornered our neighbor's cat on the cat's own carport. The hen was clucking away and the poor cat was wide eyed and looked terrified. Thank goodness the neighbor wasn't home at the time. Not sure what it is about cats and chickens, you would think the chicken would be afraid of the cat, but it seems to be the other way around. LOL

 

[User395221]

When we first got our chickens one black orpington hen jumped the five foot fence

THe other day, my dog chased the new little girls and one of them jumped up on top of the chook run. Straight from the ground - 6 feet (ish) straight up and she was on the roof. I was scared she'd keep going and then jump from the roof into next door's yard, but luckily she came back down on the right side of the fence.

 

[FrankHomestead]

If she puts a fence up then the cat won't be able to have any freedom to wander still. Maybe she should just do what someone said earlier about shooing them away every time she sees them by the car door lol

 

[StephTheChicken]

So I've been nicely shooing them away for the last few days but they always go straight back when I walk away. I moved the door mat but they're OK with the hard ground so that made no difference either.

I then had the bright idea to work with the cat instead of the chickens. His biggest weakness are treats so I lured him out while the chickens were sitting outside the cat flap. He was hesitant but eventually darted through it. It looks like he knows now the chickens won't assassinate him and isn't so scared anymore. The chickens just jump off to make space, let him out and then go back up - everyone's happy

 

[FrankHomestead]

So I've been nicely shooing them away for the last few days but they always go straight back when I walk away. I moved the door mat but they're OK with the hard ground so that made no difference either.

I then had the bright idea to work with the cat instead of the chickens. His biggest weakness are treats so I lured him out while the chickens were sitting outside the cat flap. He was hesitant but eventually darted through it. It looks like he knows now the chickens won't assassinate him and isn't so scared anymore. The chickens just jump off to make space, let him out and then go back up - everyone's happy

Good for you!!! You helped him through his fear. Fabulous job

 

[User395221]

good thinking!
cat-a-poult

 

[aart]

good thinking!
cat-a-poult

cat-a-pullet

 

[abraga]

Do u go in and out if that door most of the time? My chickens come to the door and knockin the afternoon when they decide it's time for thier afternoon snack. They also hang out where ever I am. So...i think they're just hanging out waiting for you and relaxing..u r part of the flock. I do on occasion have critters pass through..recently a doe walked through thier territory and they all surrounded It! U may need to put a barrier/fence bypass for kitty to go out. St keast a temporary safe zone..till kitty beckmes accustomed to the hens. I have several barn cats..the chickens accept thier presence and pay no notice to them. I think it's the kitty who may need to get over the presence of the hens!

 

[tigger19687]

I have some left over green plastic fencing I got free. Only about 1.5 feet tall and just kinda lay it across the stairs.

Unless there is a hole for them to get up, they stay down.
A few times I have caught one on the stair and shoo her down.

not sure if this will work where they already go to the door.

I also seemed to have taught my hens that when I look out the side window they get treats.
I stopped the treats through the window but they still come running. Completely my fault for feeding them there.