Chicken bald back

[Thumbcat]

We've had our 3 girls for almost two weeks now and over the last couple of days have started to introduce our cat to them when free ranging. Despite everything I've read on here about chickens being more than a match for cats, we're really worried that she's going to end up hurting one of them and so we're not letting them out as much as I'd like.

 

Our main concern is that the chickens are so busy pecking about and exploring the garden that they just don't take any notice of her. She's a stealthy little madam, and quick, and I'm sure she could easily pounce on one. So far we've grabbed her when she looks like she's stalking them, and she had one moment where she chased the big Bluebell down the garden with much flapping, but she stopped when I shouted at her. I really need the girls to all be aware of her and do a bit of charging and flapping and put her in her place, but they're all so mellow.

 

Can anyone reassure me that it will be okay or give any advice about how to proceed?

 

Thanks.

[Geoid]

Relax, I have a cat and chickens and they get on fine. A chicken can easily defend themselves against a cat. Normally a swift peck lets the cat know who is boss! Dont forget, chickens have better all around vision than a cat too, my cat is quite stealthy but cannot even get close to my chickens before one of them notices.

[merlina]

My cat stalks the girls occasionally.

Never goes any further than that - he's terrified of them!

I was a little more concerned about a couple of very large and tough-looking farm cats who sometimes wander through the garden, but a few years on and there has never been any problem at all

[Cat tails]

I'm not here to offer more worries, but just a word of caution.

Cats can definitely attack a chicken and not all chickens will defend themselves. I have a neighbouring tom that has had many tries and opin not a single occasion did my chickens fight back. They will run and flap and screech, but this doesn't make much of an impression on a determined tom.

 

On the other hand, they are prey animals so very observant of their surroundings. Even a very stealthy cat will most likely be noticed. Mine are much more relaxed around the cats now, but still keep a very suspicious beady eye on them.

 

I solved the chasing and attacks of the tom with one nicely timed and well placed slap on him furry bottom. Made him clear this was not appreciated. He now lounges around in my garden and leaves the chickens mostly well alone.

 

Just keep an eye on your cat and maybe have a water pistol on hand.

[Thumbcat]

Thanks all. I'll try to relax a bit more but I'll have the hose to hand - a couple of soaks should hopefully deter her. They'll always be supervised when they're free ranging, but it would be nice to sit back and watch them with a glass of wine rather than always being ready to wrestle the cat.