Crows/other bird Predators

[DickensChickens1234]

Hi! I have a small flock of 7 backyard chickens. They are almost 7 weeks. They are still in a brooder box indoors but it’s been really warm out and I want to take the chickens outside and let them roam on the grass for a bit. If I am outside with them what are the chances a crow or other predator will swoop down and grab one of my chickens?

 

[chickens really]

I just watch them. They should be fine with you watching.

 

[Ms Clucky]

My chickens are 2 and 3 years old and some of them are scared of a cardinal. The hawks know better around here. Don't have many problems with crows. They are around, but they don't mess with my chickens.

 

[Ridgerunner]

Welcome to the forum, glad you joined.

Any time your chickens are outside, whether you are with them or not and any age, it is always possible a hawk, eagle, or owl can pick one off. So can a fox, dog, bobcat, coyote, or something else. Your being with them helps a lot but it's still possible.

At seven weeks your chicks should be too big for crows, most snakes, or many other things to be much of a threat. They have outgrown a lot of predators. I don't want to frighten you, with you out there they will be pretty darn safe, but like even a small pet dog or cat there is something around that is a threat.

 

[SueT]

Welcome to BYC!
At 7 weeks they are big enough to be out in the coop. Do you have a coop and a run?

 

[Al Capon]

My chickens are 2 and 3 years old and some of them are scared of a cardinal.

Nuthatches get mine running for cover, when they fly up to the feeder and start their clownish honking sounds..

Stupid chickens...

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Hi there, welcome to BYC!

I have had a very small chick stolen by crows or raven. However more often then not... the crows and ravens are busy harassing a more stealthy hawk that I wouldn't even know was there were it not for them!

On first trips outside I like to keep a small fenced enclosure for better control.. while they learn to home to their location. I use a huddle box that provides some shade and even a little protection. They learn about safe zones. Good luck on your adventure!

I should also say... out of hundreds of birds I've only lost 4 chicks in about 10 years. But having the enclosure right by my kitchen window did not stop the hawk from sitting right on top of the little's coop last season.

I do take extra precaution when they are small... but ultimately free range is fairly worth it to me. I will go on lock down for a while if I am having repeated issues.. to let predators know the buffet is closed and it's time to move on.