Will Stray Cats attack chicks?

[RainbowBirds_of_a_Feather]

Aloha,

I have that problem too in the past when I raised chicks. If it is a first time mother hen (at least on my end) they are quite irresponsible with predators. I lost a lot of chicks. But the mama Hens would wise up. Some before the next chick was hunted. But for my hens it was trial by error. You know what they say survival of the fittest. But what you are doing by locking them in the coop is a start. Here is how I changed it so I do not loose too much chicks.


Options:

1) I would isolate the family until the bitties are strong with alot of feathers on them. Also supervising the outings so they are protected.

2) Have a run that is chick proof and Predator proof until they are almost feathered.

3) Allow a Rooster (if it is allowed in your area) out with the hen and babies to warn the hen & chicks of danger.

4) Catch the cat and take it to the animal shelter. Or you can feed it and habituate it if you need a mouser.

5) Scare the cat away with a shot of water, or the super soaker. (well that is what I have seen the neighbors use on naughty cats)

But these are just suggestions so i hope they help cause it will help a little if not more. When the mother hen decides to lay again she my reject the chicks and then they need protection again for a little.

 

[mascotkelly]

Yeah I just lost my first chick to a stray cat. I'd seen the cat in my yard before at night, but didn't really think of it seeing as my own cat leaves the chickens alone. Heard a commotion in the yard from the squirrels and found the mangy jerk with the chick pinned.

Since my yard is small and fenced in, I bought the "Shake away" coyote/fox urine crystals. Sprinkled it around strategic places around the fencing. It says it takes 3 weeks to work, and needs to be re applied twice monthly, and the reviews gave its a 50/50 rating of effectiveness, so we'll see how it works. In the meantime I only let the chicks out if I'm out in the yard or patio.

I also have leftover "TNT Ground blasters" from last 4th of July. Before letting my chickens out I sometimes light 1-2 of them and throw them over the fence where the cat likes to hang. In theory it should scatter any lingering bastards.

If it happens again, I'm trapping the darn thing. I love cats, but seeing that fleabag killing my chick made me lose all sympathy for predators. I totally understand why farmers shoot them.