Broody Hen Attacked in Barn Roosting above Cages

[centrarchid]

A chick was squawling even though owl did not have it. That brings dogs and I in quicker so potential for selective pressure on that response.

 

[centrarchid]

My son is down for the count. Dogs will have to take over.

 

[centrarchid]

No losses overnight.

After suffering nausea from going through the game came images, I can find no evidence the owl approached area it worked the night before last. It did go into back side of barn to land on another cage which we could see using spotlight. Chicks there may have been scared but where safe.

Early last night we shored up defenses around pen the owl did try to fish chickens from. Items were placed around 3 exposed sides of pen to block owl keeping it at least 12" from the chickens within. Cock pen blocked far side. He did not bail from roost when owl came in. GHO's consistently go after smallest victims they can find first. Looks like crap, but effective defense against GHO's.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

So an owl will approach an already dead bird? I was under the impression they only consume live prey.

Perhaps the only good thing about GHO predation is that they will often return to the same kill time and time again. Then often GHO may just kill a fresh juicy chicken instead.

 

[centrarchid]

As a general rule, they return to carcass so long as it is easier to deal with than making a fresh kill.

 

[centrarchid]

Point to make on behavioral response to owls. First chickens raise tail up almost vertically and hold neck outstretched down at 45 degree angle while producing a lot of vocalizations. Then bail to ground seeking cover while being very quite. Birds squawl if they think they are being restrained. Next evening they move to another roost site if possible. Hens with broods tend to move roost site into heavy brush.