My big black tomcat (neutered, 7 years old), Zorro, has apparently been trying to get my hens (RIR, 20 weeks). He has been showing up with peck marks and gouges out of his fur. The girls are fine, but he is not! They are really beating him up! Most of what I've been reading on these boards say that cats for the most part leave grown hens alone. How do I get him to understand this? Thanks! Kat
Every time my Tom goes near my hens I spray water on him. He's come to associate then hen house/run with being sprayed with water so he usually keeps his distance now...
Water is a good idea! I'll have to try it. And yes, the girls do seem to have it handled but he doesn't realize it yet, and I'm getting tired of patching him up!
Some cats are just gluttons for punishment - and patching them up does get old - especially if the pecking causes abscesses. Icky!! Try the spray bottle with water or even with vinegar (harmless but cats hate the smell). Or use the garden hose to spray him. Good luck.
are you sure its the hens that are doing it? Have you seen him out after them and them beating them up? Even being neutered he'll fight other toms to protect whats his - mine do. If it is the hens, leave him be - they'll get it through his head. You got a broody hen? - if so let her have at him one good time, he'd get the message then - lol.
