Chicken deficient Posted May 3, 2022 Share Posted May 3, 2022 I've kept free range chickens for about 15 years, mostly little Pekins and never had an issue with cats, even big farm cats. They've recently been moved from a rural village to a town garden and obviously have just started being let out to free range in the garden and I'm seriously worried about the cats round here. They clearly haven't seen chickens before and I've had 2 in the garden today both seriously stalking them. Should I be worried?! The first one I shooed off. The second was stalking them despite my dog being in the garden too. My dog doesn't chase cats, but did intervene when the cat lunged at them. I don't know if it just seems worse as I'm working from home and can see them? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cat tails Posted May 3, 2022 Share Posted May 3, 2022 My big tomcat used to go after the chickens, but after a good wallop on his behind while stalking the chickens, he is mostly pretty good. But a very determined cat could be a problem. Maybe get a water pistol/super soaker. Those are a very effective deterrent for cats. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Beantree Posted May 3, 2022 Share Posted May 3, 2022 As Cattails says, scare them off with a super soaker, because if your chickens get stressed they will become ill. I'd be inclined to be more extreme as I have no tolerance for cats on our property killing the wildlife that we struggle to encourage and preserve. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chicken deficient Posted May 3, 2022 Author Share Posted May 3, 2022 My chickens are all 6 years + and totally unphased by cats, which I think probably doesn't help. A bit of squawking and flapping could be quite useful. I've got the hose set to jet wash at the ready. I'm just hoping I'll see them in time. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mullethunter Posted May 3, 2022 Share Posted May 3, 2022 I would definitely keep an eye on them all until you know for sure how they’re going to interact. My bantams all coped perfectly well with most cats, but one day one turned up that would really stalk them which resulted in them really having to scatter to get away one day and I ended up with chickens all over the place - high up trees in the neighbours gardens, over fences and in neighbours gardens, in the footpath to the side of our garden - all sorts! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Luvachicken Posted June 2, 2022 Share Posted June 2, 2022 Cats used to sit on our shed roof and watch my chickens. Some of the cats were pretty big and my little Pekins wouldn't stand a chance so they have been in a walk in run ever since. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sontanada Posted July 13, 2022 Share Posted July 13, 2022 Cats can be very persistent. I noticed that neighbor cats are very different from each other. Someone watches the chickens out of curiosity, and some wake up with a powerful hunting instinct. They don't like water, it's true, super soaker can be a good instant remedy. But I can't guarantee my chickens' safety when I can't oversee my yard. When I'm not at home, I lose my peace until I return. I asked the neighbors to watch their pets, but they don't listen. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
