l_ouise Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Hello, I'm new to chickens so if this sounds horribly cruel, i apologise. I was just wondering if it would be possible to put a lead on a chicken like the leads they put on captive birds of prey. I think they are called jesses and consider perfectly comfortable and safe for birds of prey that are having their movement restricted. I am planning on building a fair sized WIR, but i would like them to be more free ranged but fear them escaping. There are LOTS of cats about and they are used to catching birds of all sizes. If i could put a jesse on their foot and a long lead i feel they would be safer and happier. They should only feel it if they try to go out of range and it should just pull them back by their ankle. What do you think? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Roobaloo Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 I don't see how it would protect them from cats...? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 I don't think it would work, to be honest. There would be a real danger of the chicken getting tangled up in it. It would restrict their leg and hamper their scratching (which is what they mostly do all day long ) and if you had more than one chicken, they'd get tangled up with each other. A fully grown chicken is usually a match for a cat. Chickens are quite feisty and will square up to cats (and dogs ). If you're worried about your girls escaping, I'd suggest getting some Omlet netting or similar or just plugging up any gaps in fences/hedges . Hope that helps . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 I think it would make them more vulnerable, not less, as you are significantly reducing their chances of escape from a predator. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leicester_H Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 I pondered about a lead or a harness type thing. I liked the idea of very occasionally walking them around my cul-de-sac and meeting the neighbours!! Just for fun (unless they were spooked) but I couldn't think of a safe way of doing it. H Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mollie333 Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 .. Too be honest, i don't really think that would work.. i have 3 cats and 7 chickens and a turkey, the chickens have never got eaten by my cats, but my cat's hunt pigeons, and other birds (its there nature.. i dont make them) and if anything Blanche one of my pekin ladies chase the cat. I have no chicken wire around my garden (we have bushes sourrounded) and they always come home! they go into my neighbour's garden and dustbathe, never had a problem with cats before but one big dog came into our garden and stressed the chooks, but didnt do any harm. i'm not saying that the cats might not attack the chickens, but putting them on a lead.. thats a bit pointless, they can run or hide if they see a cat and think they're in danger, and i'm sure you'll hear it LOL, if its anything like my girls.. goodluck anyway Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
l_ouise Posted April 9, 2010 Author Share Posted April 9, 2010 Oh, i have a dog that will be out in the garden so the he will keep predators out of the garden. He won't be there if they get out of the garden though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
emmab Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 I'd like to take mine for a walk on a lead. I think they'd like a trip out now and again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
C&T Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Oh, i have a dog that will be out in the garden so the he will keep predators out of the garden. He won't be there if they get out of the garden though. Would say, like others, use netting, not leashes. It would severly limit their movement I think. They are not the most intelligent things at times, and you would spend all day unwravelling all their leashes, as they wrapped them round each other, plants, stones or anything else you have. And once they were all tangled up (which I would have thought would take minutes) they would be very easy targets, and pretty defenceless. And it would likely really stress them out. Cats are not a real threat - chickens have sharp claws and beaks and most cats only need one taster... I would say though there if you have a realy "viscous" cat you might want to keep an eye open! Oh - and don't rely on your dog to keep out foxes! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stevie Posted April 9, 2010 Share Posted April 9, 2010 Oh, i have a dog that will be out in the garden so the he will keep predators out of the garden. He won't be there if they get out of the garden though. Owning a dog wont stop the most determined fox im afraid.I've got a large Bullmastiff who regulary pee's round the garden marking his scent,but couple months back a fox got in and killed all my hens.Poultry are the top of suburban foxes wish list. Im not keen on this lead idea though and i truly think a chicken would hate it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
