Can a Kestrel Cause Harm to FUll Grown Chickens?

[ILoveJoe]

There has been a Kestrel sitting on top of the barn watching the chickens in the morning. It is pretty small as far as birds of prey go, but I wonder if it can still cause any damage?

 

[Opa]

You have nothing to worry about so just admire how beautiful they are.

 

[prariechiken]

Nothing to worry about, in fact they kill and eat the winged rats that frequent your yard...

 

[Cuban Longtails]

Nah... if you were free ranging Seramas it might be a problem.

 

[AngieChick]

Kestrels are gorgeous little guys. I'm pretty sure that unless you have itty bitty chicks you shouldn't have to worry about him. Mice on the other hand are probably quaking in terror since he arrived

 

[hcammack]

No but my Ameraucana sure tried to do harm to him

she jumped that poor little guy and flew 12ft in the air to the roof of the coop and beat the snot out of him

it was a great sight wish I had my camera.

 

[ILoveJoe]

I am glad he can't hurt the chickens. He looked cold and hungry though, poor little bugger.

 

[DDRanch]

No, not to worry. I have had resident families of kestrels here for years and they have never posed a threat to my hens. In fact, start watching the kestral behavior, as they will alert when hawks are around and dive them in trees or in the air. You may love having the kestrels around. And they are awfully pretty aren't they?

Anne

 

[sandypaws]

so cool i love kestrals....
keep them around,, they are there for the MICE..

 

[mikeksfarmer]

I would build him a box and put it up on a pole near by in an open area. 10 - 15' South or east facing They love mice and house sparrows. Having them around eating the mice will reduce the chance of having something that eats mice and is much bigger. Much bigger means it could eat a chicken.