A lot of people used to think that chickens were only good for farm pets, but in recent years, keeping chickens as pets has become more popular. One of the things that makes them appealing is that many pet owners can set up self-sufficient chicken farms in their backyards or gardens. This way, they can have a pet and a low-cost way to take care of their flock.
A common problem most chicken pet owners face is predator control. Unfortunately, many predators will readily hunt chickens, and some even go after their eggs and feed. Cats don’t usually attack fully grown adult chickens, but they will hunt chicks or young chickens if they get the chance.
If a cat is a threat to your flock, keep reading for tips on how to keep your flock safe from a cat that wants to get close.
As a chicken owner, you want to keep your flock safe from predators. And cats can be a big threat especially to chicks and smaller breeds. Cats are natural hunters with quick reflexes so they may see your chickens as prey. Thankfully, there are ways to deter cats and prevent them from harming your birds. In this article, we’ll share 7 tips for keeping cats away from your chickens.
1. Install Wire Enclosures
Wire enclosures are quite effective in keeping predators such as cats away from your chickens. Hardware cloth or chicken wire with small 1⁄2 to 1 inch openings can be used to construct a run or coop. Bury the wire about 12 inches into the ground and angled in an L-shape to prevent digging underneath. Make sure the enclosure is tall enough that cats cannot jump or climb over it. A roof is also a good idea to prevent entry from above. The sturdy wired walls will prevent cats from being able to get their paws through or teeth on your chickens.
2. Opt for Larger Breeds
The size and temperament of your chickens can make a difference in deterring cats Larger chicken breeds are less likely to be attacked and killed by cats Plymouth Rocks, Australorps, Orpingtons, and Brahmas are too big for a cat to carry off. Plus, these larger breeds tend to be more assertive and can defend themselves better if a cat happens to get into their space. On the other hand, smaller breeds like Silkies and bantams are more vulnerable to cat attacks. So if you have issues with roaming cats, go for those bigger bird breeds.
3. Install Motion Sensor Lights and Sprinklers
Motion activated devices are a good way to startle and scare off cats from your coop or run area. A flood light or strobe light that suddenly turns on when it detects movement will alarm cats and deter them from entering the area. You can also install motion sensor sprinklers that will spray water when a cat gets close. The light and movement from the sprinkler should be enough to send curious cats running. Just make sure the devices are high enough that chickens won’t set them off. The goal is to frighten cats away, not stress your chickens!
4. Add a Rooster to Your Flock
A vigilant rooster serves as a lookout and protector of the flock. His job is to alert the hens to potential danger, including feral cats. Once warned, the hens can run to safety while the rooster confronts the cat with aggressive charges, flogging with his wings, and pecking. Plus, the loud crowing of a rooster may be enough to frighten cats away before they even set sight on the hens. Just be sure your neighbors won’t object to a crowing rooster before getting one. Certain municipalities also prohibit roosters due to noise, so check local ordinances first.
5. Adopt a Dog
Dogs and cats are natural enemies, so getting a farm dog may be the ultimate solution for keeping cats at bay. There are dog breeds like Anatolian Shepherds, Great Pyrenees, and Akbash that were bred specifically to guard livestock from predators. Their imposing size and loud, deep barks will deter most cats or other animals from approaching your chickens. Even smaller dogs that are attentive and vocal can alert you to snooping cats so you can take action. Just supervise your dog around the chickens until you’re sure they get along. With training, the dog should bond with and protect the flock.
6. Pick the Right Spot
Take a look at the layout of your property when deciding where to place your coop and chicken run. Is there a site tucked away from brush and hidden areas where cats like to prowl and hide? Locating the coop in a more open, visible spot can help discourage cats from stalking nearby. And if there are certain areas where neighborhood or feral cats frequent, avoid those spots. Opt for a location that forces approaching cats to cross open ground, making them more detectable. Proper placement adds a layer of protection.
7. Invest in a Brooder Cover
Brooders and chick boxes are used to keep new chicks warm and safe for the first few weeks after hatching. But these enclosed spaces are vulnerable to attacks by cats attracted to the chirping sounds. Covering the top of the brooder or box with 1⁄4 inch hardware cloth will prevent cats from being able to reach in and grab chicks. You can also place the brooder inside a cat-proof coop or enclosure for added security. Raising baby chicks is when a flock is most susceptible to cat predation, so take extra precautions.
Do Cats Hunt Chickens?
Regardless of if a cat is a pet or feral, they have the potential to attack chickens. At times, some cats will attack them with the intention of making a kill. Many times, these cats are not owned by anyone, and they usually attack young chicks that get too far away from the rest of the flock. Cats will rarely attack the larger, healthier adults. Also, if someone in the flock sounds the alarm, the cat might move on to easier prey that they can sneak up on.
Juveniles and chicks are most at risk of getting attacked by a cat. Because they’re so small, they’re an easier meal and more manageable for a cat. A cat could either successfully subdue the chicken or injure them before they’re scared or chased off. If any of the chickens are hurt, you need to call a vet right away because their wounds could get infected quickly and cause more problems.
Naturally, your cats are less likely to attack chickens with the goal of killing them than wild cats, but they could still hurt chickens while playing with them. Cat claws are extremely sharp; however, most pets will eventually learn to leave them alone. Some people who own both cats and chickens say that their cats like to cuddle with their chickens and that the chickens can tell which cats are safe and which ones are friendly. However, this is all anecdotal.
People who own cats usually see this as a good trait because the cats could protect their flock by keeping other cats in the area from entering their territory. However, it would not be fair to expect your cat to protect your flock since they could get hurt in a fight with another cat. Keep in mind that cats also have their own predators that they have to be on guard for.
Remember that broody hens may change how they act around a cat they used to get along with, especially if the cat gets too close to their chicks. The hen could attack or peck at the cat, even if their intention isn’t to harm them. If this happens, you should keep your cat away from the chicks so that none of the animals are stressed out more than they need to be.
Keep Your Chickens SAFE from Predators with this SIMPLE HACK (keeps wildlife safe too) ❤️
FAQ
Are cats a threat to chickens?
How do you train a cat to leave a chicken alone?
Can you keep chickens if you have cats?
How to cat proof a chicken run?
How to protect chickens from cats?
Here’s how to protect your feathered friends: Make the coop cat-proof: Ensure your chickens have a sturdy coop. To be specific, the entire pen should be free of gaps and holes where cats could sneak in. Supervise free-ranging: When chickens are outside, keep an eye on them. This helps prevent any surprise attacks from neighborhood cats.
Do eggs from home-raised chickens need to be refrigerated?
Home-raised chickens eggs should be refrigerated once they are free of feathers and poop. Although, unwashed eggs with cuticles intact can safely be stored at room temperature, but, refrigerating them will help them last longer; about 5 or 6 weeks.
How do you keep cats away from a chicken coop?
Remove attractions: Don’t leave food or other items that might attract cats near the chicken coop. In short, maintaining cleanliness around the coop means fewer unwanted guests. Use deterrents: Cats dislike certain smells and textures. For instance, citrus peels or prickly plants around the coop can keep them away.
Do cats kill chickens?
Feral cats are more likely to kill chickens due to their lack of socialization and extreme hunger. These felines, often living in the wild without a consistent food source, may see chickens as necessary prey for survival. On the other hand, domesticated or barn cats rarely pose a lethal threat to chickens.
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