4m x 3m Omlet pen, cube, new auto door still boxed and coop light

[mollyripkim]

Chickens had first sight of Merlin the cat through the window last week and went mad - lots of bokking, standing upright and puffed out feathers. I then decided maybe the girls need to get used to the kitten rather than the other way around so every day I have been taking him out and sitting on a bench with the kitten whilst feeding treats to the girls. Today they finally got close the bench, meantime Merlin isn't remotely interested in them so I hope that will continue as he is going to be a big cat (british shorthair). Couple of them are still wary so I am going to keep going. Not much fun sat outside in this weather though.

Chickens and previous cat all got along fine, its interesting that the girls recognised that he was new. I hope if they are used to him and don't run then he won't be tempted to chase him.

Any tips welcome.

[libby22]

I think you are doing the right thing in letting them get used to him each day. Eventually, sure they will ignore each other.

 

Our chickens stare at the cats who promptly ignore them. However, sometimes Tabby jumps up in front of the run still pretending to ignore the chickens, but she came unstuck the other day when the girls pulled her tail into the pen! She hasn't been back since

 

Strangely, she is good friends with my other chicken, Bonnie, and they will sit side by side, albeit separated by the WIR but they are only a few inches apart.

 

I think Merlin will be fast enough to get away if they do run him.

[mollyripkim]

Thanks for your reply, that made me laugh having his tail got!

Touch wood all going well, girls are happy to take treats whilst kitten is there, meanwhile he is getting braver and wants to explore more, don't want to let him out too much until his next jab.