A Bald Eagle just checked out our chickens

[Oblio13]

It just cruised low and slow over the yard, right over my head. It was so huge and magnificent that I wouldn't mind donating a chicken or two. Well, maybe an excess rooster, anyway.

 

[MissPrissy]

There are members of this forum who have had their favorite pet snatched out of their hands by a hawk or falcon. The eagle will most likely get what he wants eventually.

 

[newnanchic]

We have trouble with hawks around here!!!!! Of course he always gets my babies!!!!

 

[Hotwings]

I wish I could of seen a wild eagle. I mean I truly treasure every time I see a wild animal. I know they are a predator and I understand how people would react if one snatched their birds. I am a believer in knowing your hunting habits of your predator and trying to prevent a snatching without resorting to trying to shoot every bird of prey in the sky. Bald eagles eat mainly fish but in the winter they are oportunists when it comes to food. Just remember these birds were very close to extintion(sp?) and it is is remarkable to see one in the wild these days.

 

[texaschickmama]

Bald eagles are not even on the endangered list anymore. Although protected, since they are our National Bird, they are nowhere near extinction. We have them everywhere here that is close to a large body of water. That beautiful will eat your chickens in a heartbeat. So sit back and wait and you will see it again, promise.

 

[Cracker]

Here ya go Hotwings, even threw in a Seagull with the Juvenile Blad Eagle.

 

[Ang]

Here, I'll toss you a bone, too, Hotwings.

http://www.twitter-pated.com/?p=140

 

[Cuban Longtails]

I saw a bald eagle fly over the northern edge of my property. Beautiful sight! I have too many trees to make it worth his while to land in my yard. He'd probably have a hard time getting back out if the dogs didn't get him first.

I've seen them eating carrion on the side of the highway before, it's a free meal. They are huge birds, they make vultures look like chickens.

 

[TheMartianChick]

I also think that bald eagles are beautiful. We don't have any in my immediate area, though we do have peregrine falcons that go after our local pigeon population.

When it comes to dealing with a predator like an eagle, they will usually win! In other words, if you choose to free-range you have to expect to lose some of your stock to them. The only other option is to build some sort of a run/ fenced pasture and screen the top of it to prevent their attacks.

For this reason, I will pasture my birds in the largest enclosure that I can afford so that I can keep them safe (and add more birds because we all know this hobby is addictive!)

 

[Dodgegal79]

I have had hawks flying over my yard. Haven;t see it in a awhile so i'm happy. The muscovy girls give me a clue when something is flying over, they tilt their heads so their eyes are up and get a better look at it. I know then something is flying in.