2nd chicken killed. WHAT IS IT?

[gunnarwordon]

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?

 

[liz9910]

Hi, I don't think you can kill hawks, someone else will respond that knows more than me but sorry about your birds

 

[Chick_In_The_Burbs]

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.

 

[Oregon Blues]

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.