How do I keep Chickens Safe From Cats

Question

I'm thinking of getting a few chickens, but there are too many cats in our neighborhood. How should i keep the cats out of my garden or keep the chickens safe? No-one say the chickens can fend for themselves because I'm not taking that chance.

Answer 1

get large enclosure, thats the only way..

Answer 2

Have it all enclosed even the run.

I have chickens but I'm in residential not rural and I had them all enclosed but the cats in my area are'nt too wild and leave my chooks alone. I have a cat too and it leaves my chooks alone as well. So now they free range. The cats still come but only to hunt for vermin so it's not all bad.

Dogs are the bane of my yard and we get a lot of dogs running around unleashed :S

But if your yard is fenced most seem to know not to pass the boundary and I have 1 Guinea fowl to alert me of strangers and dogs and they are very noisy.

They all get locked up at night just in case the dogs get too brave during the night and foxes as I'm not too far from rural. Lucky I don't have to worry about goannas...

Answer 3

make sure you have a large enclosure that is fully fenced including the top in chicken wire

Answer 4

Cats are scared of chickens.

Lol. I keep mine in a big cage out back,

They jump over the fence otherwise,

Whoever said chickens can't fly were lying.

Chickens CAN fend for themselves!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ALWAYS. If my dog(a big black newfie) goes near my chickens, the chickens chase him.

:p

Answer 5

In response tothe above answer:  Why should she have to pen in her pets so the neighbors cat can still continue to roam free on her property?  Listen tohow rediculous that sounds.  

Trap the cats and take them to the animal shelter.   I wouldn't have cats using my garden for a litter box.  Anyone that insists you do not have the right to not want neibors cats on your property is wrong.  If they want a pet cat...then there pet should stay on theIr property.  If they are in your EVEN ONE TIME,  trap them and take them to the shelter before they have a chance to torture and kill the chickens you plan on getting.You could warn them that you planon getting chickens and so their cats cannot come in your yard anymore, but you do not need to.  You do not owe your neighbors any explanation because their animals should be at there house not yours.  You are not doing anything illegal taking humane action to remove your neighbors unwanted and neglected cats from your yard.You can also buy really expensive chickens and then sue the neighbors in small claims court if they  kill your chickens.  then Ibet the cat gets a new home or is made to be an inside cat.  

PEOPLE... IF YOU WANT A PET ..... THEN TAKE CARE OF IT ON YOUR PROPERTY .  DO NOT PUSH YOUR DUTIES AS A PET OWNER ON OTHERS THAT DO NOT WANT YOUR CAT.