cats stopping by

[clucking chicks]

I heard lots of clucking in the garden today so dashed out to see what was upsetting my girls and there was a visiting neighbours cat!!!!!

Please could you let me know if my girls are in any danger from our visitor? I like to think that their sharp pecky beaks and claws would mean there is no real threat but please could an expert advise?!

Thank you!

 

[tygrysek75]

Aduld birds not in real danger but bantams and chicks can be .Take care.Usually they just stare at eachother and chickens make lots of noise when disturbed by them.Foxes are a real threat,so you can give cat a brake

 

[daniellesdogs]

iv a stray who sits in the garden for hours waiting for mice but it has never even jumped in the direction of my tiny chicks, iv 6 cats they quite happy to share a run with the sick chickens and rabbits but wouldnt trust them with chicks

 

[bantiekeeper]

As well as our own cat 'Boy' we have 'Socks', 'Archie' and 'Alfie' also visiting the allotment from time to time when the banties are out free ranging, which they do every afternoon, but only when I am there. I was quite concerned when we first got the hens 4 years ago but if the cats get too close, which is not very often, the chooks close ranks and will walk towards the cat. This results in the cat slinking off with his tail down.
They do raise the alarm at the first sign of a cat, seeing them long before I do, and I always go and check straight away to find out what the commotion is about just to be on the safe side. So far so good!