chicken avoid owl catching it

[centrarchid]

I have a hen that is kept outside at all time cause of feeding restrictions. Last night she was attacked by an owl. Struggle evident on ground about twenty feet from where she sleeps. She lost a bunch of saddle feathers and several secondarily on her left wing. Looks like they rassled a bit before owl gave up. Dogs were reason.

I have seen chickens scared by owl at night. They fluff up on roost and stretch neck way out and down. Tail is held up and fluffed. I now think this tricks owl into going after body covered by feathers easy to loose making so chicken has better chance of living. Odds not so good when owl gets chicken by neck or head.

 

[Gingersnap722]

If you have to keep this hen separated, why isn't there a small coop for her to be in so she's safe at night? Am I missing something?

 

[VulpesVulpes]

That hen is lucky. Owls usually are very determined raptors. Just some food for thought, an owls beak is very sharp and powerful, but it's talons are even more dangerous when catching prey. The owl has amazing grip strength combined with it's dagger like talons with make for eviscerating an animal like a chicken very easy...feathers or no feathers.

 

[centrarchid]

If you have to keep this hen separated, why isn't there a small coop for her to be in so she's safe at night? Am I missing something?

Yes.

 

[centrarchid]

That hen is lucky. Owls usually are very determined raptors. Just some food for thought, an owls beak is very sharp and powerful, but it's talons are even more dangerous when catching prey. The owl has amazing grip strength combined with it's dagger like talons with make for eviscerating an animal like a chicken very easy...feathers or no feathers.

Owl will not be back for some time. It visits or probes about every six months seldom getting anything. Dogs repel it. I left house after midnight with dogs already out patrolling. Great-horned mostly when moon is full and barred owl when moon is new.


The hen and other birds behavior is the important point missed.