Bald Eagles like chicks - how about chickens?

kipper

Songster
10 Years
Apr 11, 2009
381
3
131
Key Peninsula, Washington
Our neighbor has been losing chicks to Bald Eagles. I know they can carry off huge fish, but I'm wondering if any of you have had them bother adult large breed chickens. Our pen is covered but I am just curious.
 
yes they do. Just about 2 or 3 weeks ago our local newspaper had a big story on this. A local family, just about 5 miles from where I live had a bald eagle get one of their chickens. They talked about how bald eagles are making a comeback from once being endangered. While sad they lost a chicken, the family was amazed by the eagle and took pictures. They said it didn't appear it could lift (but maybe it could, it just didn't) and carry the chicken away but it would fly low and sort of drag it too keep a distance from the family who was watching it eat.
 
There was a newspaper article a few years back about a lady who was holding her small dog and an eagle swooped down and took it from her. I don't remember the breed but it was a full grown dog. So I don't see why a chicken wouldn't be dinner too.
 
I grew up in a small town in Alaska. Every year there would be stories of some tourist letting their small dog out, and then watching an eagle grab it. As locals we thought it was kinda funny. (dumb tourists and all that). Also there was one time an eagle swooped down on a 2 year old child. Everyone thought that it probably only saw the top of the head, and didn't realize that there was a body attached. It backed off quickly, and never touched the girl. It would have needed to go through mom & dad to get to her.

Imp- shudders now
 
Yep Yep they can and will. One of my 4-h'rs lost 3 in one day to an eagle and 2 the next. They ended up catching it on the driveway cam. Smart birds they.
 
well, at least we don't have these...

Rettig%20and%20HarpyEagle.JPG

image source http://www.suttoncenter.org/Rettig_event_2004.html[/url
 
That's about what we figured. We have built our chicken house and yard to protect our chickens from attacks from land and air. The Eagle were circling overhead while we were building. We are in a wooded area next to Puget Sound and I am thrilled to see the comeback of Eagles in my lifetime. I don't mind building a tougher coop in exchange for the enjoyment we get watching these huge birds.
 
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*GASP* harpy eagle!!! (i think?)

yes, blad eagles can and will attack chickens. also, be careful. they will take away puppies, small dogs, cats & kittens, rabbits, ferrets... brave birds, they are!


EDITED TO ADD:


and... at least we don't have the australian wedge tailed eagle. (that there is a kangaroo it found)

el75a.jpg
 
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