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2nd chicken killed. WHAT IS IT?

Discussion in 'Predators and Pests' started by gunnarwordon, Oct 16, 2012.

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  1. Oct 16, 2012 #1
    gunnarwordon

    gunnarwordon Songster

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    Jan 15, 2012
    Chatham, New York.
    So, I live in an urban area. Surrounded by houses, never any signs of predators. But then about a month ago, a hawk out of nowhere swooped down and ripped my favorite little ohikis head off. And then this morning I went out and I was looking for my favorite cochin, Thumb. I looked in his cage and his body was there, with the head PULLED OFF on the ground and feathers everywhere. What can it be? Not a hawk right? And if so, can I kill it with a pellet gun?
     

  4. Oct 16, 2012 #2
    liz9910

    liz9910 Crowing

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    Apr 8, 2012
    Northern California
    Hi, I don't think you can kill hawks, someone else will respond that knows more than me but sorry about your birds :(
     
  6. Oct 16, 2012 #3
    Chick_In_The_Burbs

    Chick_In_The_Burbs Songster

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    Jun 26, 2010
    Western Washington
    Depends on he state but a LOT of hawk breeds are protected. Here in Colorado it is defiantly not worth it to take a shot at one. I put really high walls on one of my runs and the other will be getting a netting-roof soon.

    Good luck protecting the rest. :/. Sorry you have to deal with this.
     
  8. Oct 17, 2012 #4
    Oregon Blues

    Oregon Blues Crowing

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    Apr 14, 2011
    Central Oregon
    All hawks and owls are protected and it is federal law, so it applies to all states.

    Hawk got one, but the other was probably a raccoon or a dog, if the bird was in a cage and the head pulled through the wire.

    I suggest that you work at providing some more secure pens. You now know that you've got critters in your area who have discovered your free chicken dinner.
     

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