[curries]

I am just wondering at what age chicks would be safe from cats, or would mum protect them? 

At the moment I have mum and chicks in one of those two storey coops with a ramp so they are completely enclosed, but I was hoping to be able to section a bit of the main run off to put them in when they are about 3 weeks old, is this too young?  I'm worried about my cat getting to them, he's fine with the hens but obviously very curious of the little ones.

[Sassy]

I don't know what the rules are here but personally I would think 3 weeks is too young - they are still quite small

[Lewjam]

I wouldnt let mine near a cat untill fully grown to be honest... 20 weeks +.  Then again i am borered by a number of cats.  Im pretty sure they could take a younger bird without much of a fight.

I noticed when they get older they start charging the cats near the fence rather then hiding so i think thats a good sign!

Lew

[curries]

Hmmm, not quite sure how I can keep my cat out when they go into the run and the covered run with the coop will be too small to keep them in for that long   Do you think it would work covering it with garden netting?

[joyfull]

we have been adopted by one of our neighbours feral cats and at first she was very interested in the chicks but a few squirts of water from a water bottle soon stopped that 

[curries]

Might have to give that a try, he is spending quite a lot of time sitting on top of the coop leaning over watching intently 

[terri]

if you are sectioning a part of your larger run off for them can you make a roof for it too

[curries]

I think I will have to somehow, not quite sure how yet though 

[AL Hathaway]

all cats are not alike i have 3 maincoon one is only 1 year old and plays with all the chickens and does not hurt them when in the yard.

they have a covered run and a big run that is open but we have loads of other cats from the neighborhood and never in the day time have had a problem in 2 years.

except for one late night we missed putting one of our hens to bed and paid  the price a week later she died from wounds that cat gave her.

btw our younest chicks are 8 weeks that are in the open run and have been for over a week. and so far so good.

[curries]

I would like to think that they would sort themselves out, but mine is a very good hunter and i would never forgive myself if i took the risk and he hurt/killed them.  Think it will be best to play safe 

[Lewjam]

I just covered my whole run with fish pond neeting attached to canes.

Cheap, temporery and effective

[joyfull]

and doesn't harm any cats

[Lewjam]

and doesn't harm any cats

Yes Joy, that is the only downside 

[evie2]

Our 4 cats are fine with the chickens and there is no chance of them getting near the chicks, not only does Star protect her babies, the other hens do too but only you know your cat.