I'm trying to assess my ability to own a hen. If I get a hen, like to let it roam around the backyard, but there is a neighborhood cat that frequents the yard. How do grown hens fare against cats? Are they large enough to keep cats at bay, or are they slow and heavy enough to encourage cat predation? Can anyone recommend a breed of laying chickens that usually intimidates cats?

A grown hen of a heavier breed will be fine around a cat.They are pretty quick and hard to catch if they don't want to be.May I suggest more than one hen,they are rather social creatures.I have owned barred rocks,rhode island reds and a few other heavy breeds,none ever fell prey to cats when fully grown,but I have lost a chick or two that was still brooding in the house and not properly protected from the house cats.

Also make sure that you have adequate fencing for the hens, something high enough that they don't fly away. The fence will also help discourage the prowling cat. I would be more worried about raccoons or coyotes depending on your urban situation. Where I live is urban but there is a State Park close by that provides habitat for carnivores that are bigger than domestic cats. Big hens will also create a lot of noise when threatened, thus warning you when something is prowling close by.
Keli

Great. Thank you...I was thinking about getting a barred rock.

I live in a suburban development surrounded by more development, so cats are the biggest predator around. But as far as fencing goes, would an 8-foot-high wood fence do the trick?

I'm not sure how high you would have to go with a fence. We always had our chicken run completely enclosed with chicken wire going about 8' high and over the top as well. Our biggest predators were hawks and skunks but that was in the country. Maybe you could clip their wing feathers just enough to keep them from major flying? Also be aware that they'll eventually explore any hole in or under the fence to try to make an escape.
Have fun and good luck!
Keli

If you get chickens get more than one. A single hen will be a sad and lonely hen (though we have had several hens over the years who were real loners).

It is a romantic thought to let the chicken wander throughout the garden but the reality is she will destroy the garden by eating fruits and greens, digging for bugs and making bathing holes (usually in a soft area such as where all your precious bulbs are planted.

I would suggest that you consider buying/making a chicken tractor which is a bottomles moveable coop. The bird will need someplace to go in for the night. many folks leave their birds in the tractor all of the time. we use them in summer but have doors in ours so the birds are let out at dawn and put away at dusk. We range ours in fenced areas. Some fencing is 7' but hens who really want to get out can easily go over. I have heard electric [poultry netting does keep them in and predators out.

You can bring them in your house overnight but they are messy animals at night, if you know what I mean.

I have 3 cats and they all get along fine with our hens. It is the threat of owls and other critters (raccoons, skunks, weasals, ferrets, loose dogs, opossums, etc..) getting them at night if left out

I think what we'll end up doing is creating a fenced run on the side of our house, with a coop at the end and the compost heap outside but nearby. The top of the run will also be fenced. I've now been warned several times that chickens will tear up my plants, so I'd better listen and avoid the free-range method!

Thanks for the good advice.

I am planning to get 4 pullets this spring. Never had chickens before. Can you explain in more detail what a chicken tractor is? I just started subscribing to OG and missed the chicken issue. Also, I was going to either get Rhode Island Reds or Rocks. (I live in southeastern MA). Would that be a good choice? I want them for eggs. Thank You!

We have 5 cats and 6 chickens (and 2 ducks). We kept the baby chicks inside until they were large enough to fend for themselves...and then let them loose. It's a pretty funny site -- now we see the chickens sometimes chasing the cats. The cats don't bother them at all--and they all like to share the food!

Good luck...

Sue