Are Magpies Pedators of Chicken?

[Kataloo]

I have more magpies than I have ever had.

I just counted 7 or more in the backyard.

Is it just a coincidence or are they after the chicken food? Could they be after the chickens themselves? My girls are almost full grown. I want to let the girls free range, but read online that magpies are predators.

Quote:
This is from the Washington Division of Wildlife Resources, which I think would be reputable. I could see them going after chicks, but not full grown chickens. Anyone with experience with magpies? Don't suppose there is anyway to humanely get rid of them.

Thanks

 

[SilkieHenHoney]

Storey's Guide to Raising Ducks says that magpies will get their ducklings & eggs. It also said to wait till the ducklings are about 4-8 weeks old depending on the size of the breed. So I think that would apply to chickens too.

 

[ronikins]

My parents had a blackbird (not sure if it's the same kind of bird) take one of their baby chicks. They said they would've believe that one would do that until they saw it for their own eyes...

 

[Kataloo]

At this point my hens are bigger than the magpie, so I think they are safe. I will have to watch out though when they start laying eggs. Anyone know of a way to deter them from coming to my yard. Even though they are kind of pretty, they are noisy and a nuisance.

 

[bigmrg74]

At this point my hens are bigger than the magpie, so I think they are safe. I will have to watch out though when they start laying eggs. Anyone know of a way to deter them from coming to my yard. Even though they are kind of pretty, they are noisy and a nuisance.

Those two sweeties in your avatar there would work just fine. I would wager just tossing a Tennis ball at the Magpies with those two running after it would be enough to scare them away and keep em away for a while.

 

[Kataloo]

Those two sweeties in your avatar there would work just fine. I would wager just tossing a Tennis ball at the Magpies with those two running after it would be enough to scare them away and keep em away for a while.

That is a great idea. Sadly both are now gone. The lab died about 10 month ago of old age. The Aussie just 3 weeks ago of cancer. Maybe that is why we have more magpies than normal. But I do have a little poodle dog left to keep me company. She is too much of a princess to enjoy playing fetch or chase the ball. The Aussie LIVED for catching a Frisbee. You are right, both dogs would have scared them off.

Also love your avatar. A horse and a child. Doesn't get much better. Thanks for the response. The magpies seem to be intent on making noise, but don't seem to be bothering the hens. The robins don't seem to like the magpies and will do their best to drive them away.

Thanks again.

 

[BellMarFarm]

Magpies are opportunistic: If they can get to the eggs and/or chicken feed, they will. With that said though, in my experience they don’t mess with the chickens, they just like to make a lot of noise and like to be heard.

There is no way to completely keep them out of your yard. I’ve seen them chase cats and laugh at most dogs. Just know that this too will pass. As I have said, Magpies are opportunistic, they will move on when they find a source of food or entertainment elsewhere.

The amount of Magpies and their boldness seems to vary from year to year, I have been in Montana for 10 years and the Magpies have only been a problem for about 3 of them (not in a row either). I would advise that you peek in on your flock periodically throughout the day, keep all chicken feed under cover and just wait it out. Magpies seem to be more bark than bite, if you know what I mean.

Good luck.

 

[Kataloo]

Magpies are opportunistic: If they can get to the eggs and/or chicken feed, they will. With that said though, in my experience they don’t mess with the chickens, they just like to make a lot of noise and like to be heard.

There is no way to completely keep them out of your yard. I’ve seen them chase cats and laugh at most dogs. Just know that this too will pass. As I have said, Magpies are opportunistic, they will move on when they find a source of food or entertainment elsewhere.

The amount of Magpies and their boldness seems to vary from year to year, I have been in Montana for 10 years and the Magpies have only been a problem for about 3 of them (not in a row either). I would advise that you peek in on your flock periodically throughout the day, keep all chicken feed under cover and just wait it out. Magpies seem to be more bark than bite, if you know what I mean.

Good luck.

Thanks. Good advice. It helps me not worry about my girls so much. I do peak in on them while they are free ranging, and lock them in the run when I am gone. Girls are too young to be laying eggs yet, but I'll have to watch out for that when they start. Thanks again for your input.