Big Ol' Chicken Hawk Caught in the Act

[chickenguysmom]

Just went outside to let the 4-week olds out into the tractor for the day as a Chicken Hawk (that's what I call it but it could have just as easliy been a falcon) flew over the head of my grown porcelain d'Uccle's head. Just inches from her head. I ran screaming and clapping towards it and it flew off with a bunch of mocking birds dogging it all the way.

I quickly rounded up my two adult hens ... then went looking for my two 7-week old standard sized chicks. Couldn't find either and feared the worst. After a couple of minutes I found the pullet but still can't find Lance, the cockeral. He could be hiding, but I didn't see him.

Do hawks take chickens then come back for more immediatley?

I hope we find Lance he is a sweetie and even though he will need to be rehomed I wouldn't want him to be hawk food.

Everyone say a prayer for Lance.... he is the kids favorite because he is so friendly.

 

[NancyP]

Hope you find him. Please keep us posted.

 

[CMV]

Quote:
Depends, if they are feeding their young then they might be back very quickly. After all, they have found where the good eating is at. Hawks are persistent. I'm still having problems with a hawk who discovered my chickens 2 months ago. And I swear he has told all his closest friends about my chickens because yesterday I saw a golden eagle hanging out in my yard.

 

[chickenguysmom]

I was hoping you wouldn't say that. We only had a problem once before and it was around the time we had chickies before. They swoop in really low just over the chicks heads. Man did it scare us. My kids were 4 and 6 at the time and they ran outside with armfuls of their shoes and started thowing the shoes at the hawk anytime it was near.

I guess that cured it of coming back. Now the latest predator...... looks like we'll need to stock up on shoes.

 

[CMV]

Quote:
That's funny.

 

[TreeHugger]

I have a pair that hang out in my yard once in a while. My chickens are secure so I don't mind. I don't know how the mating process is with hawks, but I never see just one. I hope you find him.

 

[chickenguysmom]

Yeaaaaah! I just got home from work and guess who was there to greet me..... LANCE. He must have hid out. He is our little sweetie. Thank you to everyone who said a prayer for him today. It worked and he is safe at home.

Bad, Nasty ol' Hawk ---- go find some vermin to prey on.

 

[CMV]

Glad to hear it.

 

[Ol'FashionHen]

I've had hawks take three 6 wo chicks in one day.