Domestic and Feral Cats
Domestic and feral cats appear to be smaller than most standard-sized chickens, but don’t be fooled. Cats may consume young chicks in their entirety or attack larger birds that are sick, injured, isolated or unaware. Of all the predators on this list, cats pose the least threat to a flock of adult chickens, but this doesn’t mean you should let your guard down.
Once in a great while, a very hungry feral cat, a large housecat or a particularly bold feline will take on a grown chicken. If the chicken is a bantam or is rather petite, the cat has a better chance of causing some real damage. However, the true danger that cats pose is really toward small chicks. Housecats, in particular, find squeaking, chirping, flying chicks to be alluring “play things,” and they won’t waste much time before inflicting potentially fatal wounds.
CALLING CARD
Domestic and feral cats hunt for both food and sport. The remains from a cat attack may indicate either or both scenarios. Consider a cat to be the culprit if you find the following at the scene: Dead chicks in a brooder (indoors). Dead or fatally wounded chicks around the house (taken from the brooder and played with). A large mess; lots of feathers and bird parts strewn about. Muscle and meat of the birds consumed; feathers, wings, head and bones remain. Attack occurs either day or night.
YOUR FLOCK’S DEFENSES
Since the vast majority of cat attacks occur in household brooders, the remedy is simple: Secure vulnerable chicks away from housecats. Always. A brooder with a mesh top and solid sides is all well and good, but it may not keep a determined feline from getting in. Cats especially like to paw at their prey and will easily slip a leg through chicken wire to investigate the chicks.
Remember also that cats are nimble and are excellent climbers and jumpers. Also, as any cat person knows, they like to pounce. Ultimately, the best line of defense is a closed door. Keep your chicks in a separate room or part of the house away from the cats entirely. If you are keeping a brooder in a barn, shed or other structure where a mouser lives, consider building a partition or moving the chicks to a more secure area.