How to Protect A Killdeer Nest from Cats

Killdeers are one of the few bird species that don’t build nests. Instead, they lay eggs on the ground, such as right in the middle of gravel or grass fields. This species of bird is found in many parts of the world, including the United States.

There are ways to protect a killdeer nest from cats. It’s important to note that in the United States, killdeers are protected by law. It’s illegal to move or destroy their nests even if you find them in your backyard.

If you find yourself in such a situation and you also own a cat as a pet or have a lot of feral cats in your area, you have come to the right place! The following methods will help you protect a killdeer nest from cats.

1. Build A Metal Cage to Keep the Nest Protected

The first and the most obvious way to protect a killdeer nest from cats is to build a metal cage or fence. It’ll keep cats, dogs, chickens, and kids away from the nest.

You’ll need to make sure that the netting of the cage is big enough for the birds but small enough to keep the cats at bay.

You’ll need to place the cage in a way that it evenly covers the nest from all sides. It’s also important to secure the nest to the ground so that the cats don’t flip it over.

The incubation period of killdeer eggs is 24 to 28 days, and interestingly, the young killdeers can scurry about right after hatching with their parents. So, you’ll need to keep the cage in your yard for about a month.

2. Talk to Local Wildlife Authorities

You can also talk to your local wildlife authorities. They’ll help you build a protected area around the killdeer nest in your lawn. If needed, they’ll also post signs and remove everything once the eggs are hatched.

Related post: How to Identify American Robin Eggs

3. Never Move the Killdeer Nest

According to the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, it’s illegal to move the nest of a killdeer even if it’s inconvenient for you or you’re concerned that a cat will visit it. So, you must not try to move the nest. Doing so can also scare the birds and increase the chances of nest abandonment.

4. Choose Cat Repellent Plants

Adding cat repellant plants to your garden is one of the best ways to protect a killdeer nest from cats. You can use the plants with sharp mulches, strong scents, and thorny bushes. The following are some common cat repellent plant options.

• Lavender
• Pennyroyal
• Rue
• Coleus Canina (also known as scaredy cat plant)

5. Keep Your Cats Well-Fed

Your pet cats must always be well-fed as it encourages them to stay calm and wander around less in areas where they’re not welcomed. Along with cat repellent plants, feeding your cats will help protect a killdeer nest.

6. Keep Your Cat(s) Indoor

Keeping your cat(s) indoors doesn’t seem like a fun idea, but you’ll only need to do it for about a month. This way, you’ll be able to keep an eye on your cat’s activity to keep it from approaching the killdeer nest.

7. Report Feral Cats

If you see feral cats wandering around your yard, report it to your local animal control agency as soon as possible. Not only will it keep the killdeer nest protected, but it’ll also help the stray cats.

Aside from feral cats, another enemy and competition for your birds are squirrels. Here are some ways to build squirrel-proof bird feeders in your backyard.