I had a very scary moment over the weekend with my flock. Let them out for alittle free ranging because it was nice ouside and I could hang out and enjoy the weather and foraging. Within 10 minutes, as the birds were taking to there favorite tree, a Cooper's hawk swoops down right next me and starts thrashing Gladys, my ayam cemani!! I instantly panic of course and within 10 seconds, had the hawk in my hands! I yet again panic because of the hawk's wings and talons flailing around, causing me to release the beast. It flew to a nearby tree, thankfully empty "handed."
I managed to heard my panicked flock into there cage as the hawk watched on. I used a dead tree branch to reach at and threaten the hawk to show I meant business. However, Gladys and her best friend, blue -mottled Cochin, Gertrude, were missing.
After some searching I found the battered Gladys buried deep in the thickets were the hawk released her. Her tiny all black body was just laying there I thought she was dead. Thankfully when trying to pick her up I heard her cry out alittle. And resist. But she was okay! Just panicked. I quickly checked for blood but no sign. She did lose 3 or 4 deep wing feathers though and slightly favors it. I found Gertrude 5 min later playing dead in a pile of leaves. Thankfully unharmed. I still can't believe this happened! And right in front of me. Another 10 seconds and I think my prized chicken would be toast.
anyways, Hawks suck. Has anyone else witnessed a Hawk attack first-hand?
I managed to heard my panicked flock into there cage as the hawk watched on. I used a dead tree branch to reach at and threaten the hawk to show I meant business. However, Gladys and her best friend, blue -mottled Cochin, Gertrude, were missing.
