Crows. Lots and lots of crows.

[Chiiiiiiiiiickens!]

Hi all,
My girls free range during the day, and lately I have noticed quite a few crows hanging around with them. I think they are eating their scratch food I put down. First there were 2 or 3, then 5 or 6, now at least 10! One of my Australorps decides to charge at them now and again (head down, wings out, running charge, so cute) and they all flutter up to the trees, but they come back a few minutes later. What I'm wondering is are the girls safe? They are too big for the crows to grab, but will they potentially "fight"? Could the girls be injured by the crows?

 

[horsejody]

Crows will kill a chick, but I think adults are OK. You have the added benefit that crows will keep hawks away. Maybe not a bad trade for little feed.

 

[SussexInSeattle]

My chickens don't allow the crows to land in the yard if they can help it. The younger girls even go after the sparrows but the older girls will eat seed side by side with the sparrows. My worst fear of crows and sparrows and all the other birds are the transfer of parasites. So I would just check your chickens every few days to once a week for signs of critters in their feathers. I really don't think there is much you can do to avoid the wild bird interaction when they free range the whole yard.

 

[DDRanch]

Agree that crows will kill chicks and even banty's but your BR's and Australorps should be ok. I have some crows around and wish there were more as they are a great early warning system and deterrant for hawks. However, crows are opportunistic, and a hungry gang of them just might pose a threat. I would keep an eye out. (which you probably do)

 

[wyndski]

I have crows around and the only problem I have had with them is that they will steal eggs. They are brave too, my hen had a nest in the spare stall of the barn and the crow would go in to steal the egg. He stopped when I kept putting golf balls in the nest and he would get them instead of eggs.