will new adult cats attack hens?

[countrygirl57]

WE are getting 2 female cats to cut down on rat problem. DO cats bother with hens?

 

[gypsygirl1421]

We have cats that live in the barn with the chickens. They are adults that people have driven to the country and dropped off, so I don't know their history. They do fine with our standard size chickens and the few banties we have, but have caught the chicks before.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

My advice is to carry each cat over to introduce to your most assertive hen, and let the hen give 'em a good swift peck in the direction of the cats face. The cat will never want to bother a chicken again.

(This is what happened between my cats and chickens, although I didn't plan it that way.)

 

[colebarnhart]

I've always heard that a full grown chicken will put the smack down on a cat and if you have a rooster then they will do an even better job.

 

[howfunkyisurchicken]

I have 2 male bengal mixes (they are big, one weighs 19 lbs and the other 22!!!). My flock does not tolerate the cats in their space. Its kind of funny to see the hens chase them across the yard, but they are a couple of regular, grade A puddin's. They have snagged a couple of unlucky chicks, but they don't mess with chicks that have a broody mama looking out for them. My neighbor has 13 (yes 13, she's a crazy cat lady

) and I've never had any problems with them either. Your kitties will probably be fine, just keep an eye on them at first. Good luck!