I can't believe this is my first post. I am very new raising chickens and I am a born and raised city girl. I live in Orange County, CA and have 4 week old "girls". It has been so hot here, so for a couple of hours a day we put them in a large ferret cage which sits on the grass (so they can pick at the grass). I thought my only worry was the neighbors cat, boy was I wrong! Apparently a Coopers hawk has been checking them out. Our coop and run aren't finished yet and they normally live in a brooder in the house. In front of my eyes (and my 5 year old boy) the hawk swooped down and thru the cage bars pulled the head right off my beautiful Blue Cochin "Angie". The 5 girls were all huddled together sleeping on the grass when it happened.
She was my favorite one and I am so sick about it. I don't blame anyone (or the hawk), but myself. I have read everyones horror stories, but it seemed like many of you live in more rural areas. I live in the suburbs! I guess it can happen to any of us. I just learned a big fat lesson.
Poor girls are now going to have to stay in the brooder until the run is done and NO Free ranging for us :-(
For you more experienced out there, can a hawk grab a full grown hen?
Thanks for letting me vent!!
-Jenna (and Buffy, Willow, Sweet Charms, Sandy...RIP my little Angie)
She was my favorite one and I am so sick about it. I don't blame anyone (or the hawk), but myself. I have read everyones horror stories, but it seemed like many of you live in more rural areas. I live in the suburbs! I guess it can happen to any of us. I just learned a big fat lesson.
Poor girls are now going to have to stay in the brooder until the run is done and NO Free ranging for us :-(
For you more experienced out there, can a hawk grab a full grown hen?
Thanks for letting me vent!!
-Jenna (and Buffy, Willow, Sweet Charms, Sandy...RIP my little Angie)