Can a Flock of Unified Chickens Kill a Single Cat?

[JackieBlack]

My mother and I were debating: "Could a group of chickens, if cornered, kill a cat?" I didn't know, so I thought I'd post this here to see if you had any answers! Perhaps it would be more likely if there was a rooster in the flock? Our girls don't have a man of their own, but we do have several cats that patrol the neighborhood. Hopefully this question has not already been asked. If you do have an anecdote to share regarding chickens driving off a predator themselves, I'd love to hear it! (I'm new to having an account on BYC by the way, so this is my first question; generally during an emergency it's more convenient to look at the threads other people have posted on the specific topic - and man, have we had a lot of emergencies!)

 

[LoveThemBirds]

Chickens (Meaning roosters) can hold anything just about from a coyote to a bird of prey.Some of my hens have attacked my rabbit,and sometimes even my cat.Keep in mind,this was just one hen.

I tested a toy parrot on my hens and they scattered.But,if it were to land on them,or near them ,or I cornered them,Mrs.prissy (Or speckles) my redsexlink,will attack it.My rooster will face off with my dogs sometimes.Also,whne my dog is chasing my ducks around,Mrs.prissy will step in an d fight with my dog.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

I think it unlikely that they would/could kill a cat...the cat would simply fight back and run through and off, the hens doing what was called for, driving away a potential predator. If a cat were cornered and determined, it would start killing birds and the rest would run for cover. Hell hath no fury like a cornered cat, just ask any vet tech.

I have seen my hens chase off a cat and rush my dog, but they were not seriously preying on the chickens.

Roosters have been known to lay their life down for the flock, but they don't typically kill anything larger than a mouse or a small snake. However, putting up a good fight will drive off predators or act as a diversion while the flock escapes.

Bottomline, I wouldn't trust the flock to protect from a determined cat bent on killing, but they will keep the usual overly curious riff raff away.
LofMc

 

[Wrooster]

Roosters I've had could. Don't know if they would.

You didn't ask for opinions about the cats, but I would not hesitate to execute a feral cat. If it's a neighbor's pet it's going to depend somewhat on the circumstances. Cats are an invasive species. On average, for every 16 hours a cat is outdoors one small critter is killed. That's based on research and applies to well-fed pets as well as feral cats.

Environmentally, you can have cats or you can have birds but if you want to have both, it's at the expense of the birds.

I doubt that your chickens can kill a cat but I'm on their side.

PS: I have had cats and I love them but sometimes you have to make choices.