Can Black Crows Kill 11 week old chickens?

[cutlerfam7]

We let our 4 pullets and 1 rooster, all 11 weeks old, free range around the yard while we are home. We keep all of the windows, blinds and doors open so we can hear and seem them while we make dinner or clean around the house. A few times this week my sister and I have noticed 2-4 crows sitting up in the trees either above or around the chickens. We both go out and throw rocks at them and then put the chickens away just incase they come back.

I am wondering if they are any serious threat to my chickens or are they just being annoying?

 

[cutlerfam7]

Any thoughts or opinions on this matter?

 

[harveyhorses]

Yes, they can. I chase crows off whenever they decide to move in. on my feeders. Keep your eyes and ears open. Mine are full grown, but the crows have harassed my cats and garden before. They are 'supposed' to keep hawks away, frankly I'd rather have hawks. but I have both.

 

[flewdacoop]

i dont think they are comming after the chicks just their food but not to say they want harm one to get to the food

 

[dainerra]

crows are more than happy to eat meat. They will raid the nests of smaller birds and eat any eggs or fledglings that they find. That is why you will see the sparrows trying to chase off crows, just like they do the hawks. Also, if you have small chicks, blue jays will kill and eat them as well.

 

[centrarchid]

Crows you have are most likely American crows. Once my standard sized chickens are juveniles (about 6 weeks) they are big enough that crow will not be able to easily take one on. Crows will not waste time on such a large prey. Also is more than one chicken, crows even more less likely to be a threat.

 

[cupman]

We have all kinds of crows and I let my birds free range starting at about 5 weeks. They only ever seem interested in the feed. I've posted about crows before and people have said they are actually a good thing, they will keep hawks from moving in on their territory. I know they will dive-bomb any perceived threats when they begin nesting. There's a bridge here and the news warned bikers/walkers about crows harassing them because they are so near to the nesting area. They would dive-bomb passerbys. Kind of funny.. I think they are rather harmless.

 

[Sylvestor12]

Crows are scavengers so they will go for meat but for the easier pick. Young, or particularly small chickens, ducks, etc are at risk because they can snatch them easily, eat them, and get the calories. Crows are smart, they know what they need in a sense, calories. In chick feed, there is a high amount of proteins and essentials so they'd go after that which has the calories and doesn't get themselves shot.

 

[cutlerfam7]

Thank you everyone! I actually keep the chicken food in the enclosed "run" area of the coop and the chickens just go back in when they want to eat that or drink some water. I appreciate your advice. Thanks again.

 

[Oregon Blues]

Crows were caught in the act of killing 2 chickens that were nearly 3 pounds apiece. They nearly blinded a half grown duck. They've been seen stealing eggs.

I suspect them of killing a 10 pound adult duck, but didn't catch them in the act. They attacked my geese on the nest in order to steal the goose eggs.

They attacked an adult Swedish Duck, but 3 drakes were able to drive them off. There were black crow feathers all over the ground. I heard the fight, saw the crows flying off, saw all the black feathers. The Swedish are 7-8 pounds apiece, not baby ducklings.

So, are your chickens safe? How big are they?