Bite Sized Hawks?

[ChickenDudette]

I was looking out the window the other day and I saw a hawk, much smaller than all my chickens, watching my chickens from inside their run. I don't see how this little hawk could carry away any of the birds, but I wanted to know if they might go after the chickens regardless. Should I be worried about this hawk?

 

[Hanna8]

It couldn't carry them away, but won't necessarily stop it from killing one and starting to eat it. Plus, if it is so small because it is only a juvenile, then you will have to worry about it carrying off birds in the future.

 

[ChickenDudette]

Ok thanks for the quick reply! I will try to keep an eye on it.

 

[centrarchid]

This time of year all hawks in the northern hemisphere are full sized. A small hawk that might be messing around your flock might be targeting something else like small songbirds or rodents. Sharp-shinned are what I see this time of year but American Kestrel and Merlin (both actually falcons) will sometimes to the same but neither is as prone to risk taking as the sharp-shinned hawk. If hawk is a Coopers Hawk, then a little more concern is warranted as they go after smaller chickens and hens.

Try to find pictures of same by searching images for hawks for a match. It is always good to know what actual predator or parasite is actually causing problems so the most appropriate action can be taken.

 

[aoxa]

I've seen coopers hawk pretty close up. The males aren't big at all, and smaller than my standard chickens. They can't carry them off, but they can kill them if they are hungry enough.

Here is one

 

[ChickenDudette]

Ok, thanks so much! That hawk looks similar to the one I saw!