Cats and Chickens

I would like to get a few egg laying New Hampshire red hens to get fresh eggs, and keep the ticks and ants down around the house.  How ever I am concerned our 20 lb, 7 yo red tabby will kill them.  He hunts mice, chimpmunks, snakes.  I know as chicks I will need to keep him away from them.  But do you think the chickens once full gown can be safe with him around?

Most domestic cats will leave chickens alone. Just don't kill one and give it to him with feathers and everything otherwise he will learn that chickens are food and will try to attack them. Adult chickens will put up a fight if they need to.

All my hunt all kind of prey but they will leave the chickens alone. I find they are scared of the chickens though mama cat is getting more comfortable around them.the chickens free range and the cats haven't kill one yet.