Did the crows just save my chicks???

[girlsnboys]

Crows are interesting birds. They nest across the road from us and are harrassed by eagles more than hawks. Since I've moved the hens and chicks down to the field across from the crows, I see the crows hanging around more. They have never acted aggressively toward the chickens but are always there chasing the eagles away. I know the eagles raid the crows nests and assume this is the worst time because of babies hatching. If your girls are out, make sure they have plenty of cover where they can run and hide. Trees with low branches and shrubs are good places to take cover. Good luck.

 

[AccidentalFarm]

I've got an assortment of wild birds that mob me every very time i mow under the birdhouses...

I've also watched them dive at my dogs when they get too close. Oh, and heaven forbid the Easter Bunny leave any eggs on the ground near the birdhouses...

 

[chickbea]

Crows, Ravens, and Jays are all wonderful alarms!

 

[mudhen]

AccidentalFarm

I can relate!

 

[SpottedCrow]

Yes, and i'm not just saying that cuz it's my name either...

That mobbing behaviour is typical for a crow when it sees a bird of prey. They'll all get together and run him off. A hawk when it's focused on it's meal can be rather oblivious. I almost had a sparrow and a hawk imbedded in my forehead because I was in the wrong place at the wrong time...needless to say, I hit the deck and the hawk missed his meal of Polish food with a sparrow apertif.
MTchick has it right...if you're moving around, he'll probably stay away.

 

[cookiesdaddy]

Thanks all for your replies. Have to give those crows a treat somehow, but not with my chicks!

I noticed a jay often comes around my backyard to chase away little birds. Not sure if it was defending its territory or protecting little birds from bigger preys nearby.

 

[CHILLbilly]

Hi everyone...
I just had my first hawk spotting. Didn't see any last summer so now I am rally paranoid about putting a cover on their run. We fenced a run inbetween 2 buildings with just chicken wire, and they are about 5 feet wide by 30 feet long. So I am thinking about using smaller tree branches from our back woods. Attach trunks to the front and back main fence...have some shade, but leave a few sunspots.
Has anyone tried using more natural branch ideas or just wire, woven between fence.
I only let them out when I am outside or in the garden. I only have 5 so I could make a "tractor" and drag them along yard as I work..lol. We have 15 acres of forest, plus are surrounded by forest for miles in all directions...So its a perfect home for fox, fisher cats ( hate those buggers), hawk, weasels,ect. I want them to be outside as much as they can...but I want to proyecy yhrm and be able to suntan and sleep or stay in house with them out of site. Not 100% free range but a nice area to scratch. ( our front yard is chicken wired so free range with me standing near them would be possible.)

 

[hencackle]

The crows and mockingbirds guard my backyard, too. I'm grateful for the mockingbirds that nest in a bush beside my back deck, currently raising 2 new "guardians".
Last year, a friend and his family was relaxing on their deck when a hawk swooped in and ran under the deck and killed a grown silkie.
Stephanie

 

[suburbanhomesteader]

I agree that crows can be very carnivorous. I have seen them raid a rabbits nest and carry off three 3-week old bunnies.

I have never liked them since that day. Also, I have an affinity for hawks, and I always feel sorry for them when crows chase them off their hunting grounds.

 

[turbo13]

Hi. I Have 4 Chicks,about 7 Weeks Old.i Have Magpies Around That I Thought Were Eyeing My Chicks,so I Kept A Close Eye When They Were Free In Yard.all Of A Sudden, Out Of The Blue 2 Hawks Came Into My Yard About 5 Feet From My Little Ones. Bam, 4 Magpies Were On Them Pecking, And Dive Bombing. Chased Them To Canada I Think. I Think The Magpies Had Babes Of Their Own Close By.but Eighter Way They Saved My Chicks I'm Sure: