Cull by hawk? *Answered* Thank you

[ayamfeather12]

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I live in a suburban area, so one could say there are wildlife issues in the area, and wildlife populations has been decreasing here for some time. I don't think that they are starving, but I think it could be a mutually beneficial situation if I did offer them chicks. I am more concerned if this is harmful to the hawks in some way.

 

[EmtheFishLady]

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I live in a suburban area, so one could say there are wildlife issues in the area, and wildlife populations has been decreasing here for some time. I don't think that they are starving, but I think it could be a mutually beneficial situation if I did offer them chicks. I am more concerned if this is harmful to the hawks in some way.

If you aren't concerned with the welfare of your animals...maybe you should consider that bringing wild animals into populated area's almost always ends badly for the wildlife. There's a reason they say not to feed wild animals. It isn't just for your safety, but theirs as well.

 

[the3ofus+oursixchicks]

OH MY GOODNESS, THAT IS HORRIBLE HORRIBLE HORRIBLE, SURELY YOU COULDNT DO THAT. THEY HAVE FEELINGS AND I DOUBT THE HAWK WOULD DO A QUICK JOB. I AM SHOCKED THAT THIS WOULD EVEN BE AN OPTION. IS THAT NOT ANIMAL CRUELTY???????

 

[ayamfeather12]

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Not really, but having owned carnivorous reptiles, I find killing in itself to be a waste when there are animals that would be more than happy to take it.

So dispatch them humanely THEN let the animals have it.

I'm not seeing the need to have a live chicken killed intentionally by a hawk unless you're just wanting a show....

silkiechicken made a good point that predators might not come to take the chick immediately, which could cause at least a few issues. It would be a waste if the hawk wasn't already waiting, or willing to take a dead chick.

 

[saddina]

I don't think you'll be able to find someone who's done it, or at least willing to say they've done it. I'm pretty sure the state fish and game would come down hard on this, and the internet isn't nearly as annomious as people seem to think.

As for the ethics of it? You don't want to know my thoughts.

 

[suki'smom]

Why not just eat them yourself? Bantams are the perfect size for a single meal, or donate the carcasses, or find a local zoo to donate them to, or feed your other animals...really the possibilities are endless..feeding wild animals always ends badly for the animal...

 

[ayamfeather12]

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This could very well be the case, but it is something I would like to know more about. (I would disagree with the first part about caring for my animals, though I would question whether humans killing chicks is better than it being done by animals that are built to prey on them.)

 

[saddina]

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This could very well be the case, but it is something I would like to know more about. (I would disagree with the first part about caring for my animals, though I would question whether humans killing chicks is better than it being done by animals that are built to prey on them.)

Death by a bird of prey involves fear, and is often not a quick think, yes the hawk carries it off, but then it involves holding the prey in 1 claw while plucking and eating the breast meat and innards, the prey dies during this process but not always at the start. Then the prey bird discards the carcasses so scavengers (racoons, foxes, minks, etc.) will have a meal, which brings more predators to your place. Than in a month you're be on the predators thraed asking "why" and we'll say "because you fed them". Really you'll want to save the time and hassle.

 

[silkiechicken]

Perhaps there is a raptor center you could donate your birds to if you want to support birds of prey? That way animals which may have been too damaged to go back or animals being rehabilitated can have a meal and you could help out programs helping wildlife or providing wildlife education?

 

[ayamfeather12]

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Thanks for mentioning fish and game, I'll try to see what I can find about it but if anyone knows specifically if feeding hawks is prohibited, I'd like to know too.