Beware ravens?

[trueblueshowgirl]

I had no idea ravens would kill 4 week old chicks, but experience has taught me a tough lesson this week. We spotted a raven on the pear tree next to the coop the other day- a really massive bird. Thought it was an amazing sight, but didn't think to worry about the chickens. Well, we arrived to quite an ugly scene during chores that afternoon- a total of three dismembered and eaten 4 week old NH Reds (large feathered chicks).

The 12 others were no where to be found. It turns out they were all hiding very quietly in the tall grass and appeared the next morning. They now live in the safe protection of a chicken tractor! No more open runs here!

 

[chickencoop31320]

Thats terrible. I'm sorry you lost your chicks.

When I think of "preditor animals" I keep my mind pretty open... ANYTHING that's larger than my chickens or that has teeth is a possible preditor.

I always think of the scene from the star wars movie... "there's always a bigger fish". Birds are no different, they will eat other smaller birds in a heartbeat.

Animals look for easy meals first, then they hunt if they cant find something easy.

Good idea keeping them safe in the tractor