Do owls hunt during the day?

[LucyBO16]

I was out in our chicken run this afternoon and heard an owl hooting in the trees, which are very close to my chicken coop. I have one strand of fishing line going over my run to deter hawks if they ever try to attack. I am curious if the owl will swoop down and try to kill one of my chickens during the day. Any feedback is appreciated.

 

[Zoomie]

It is getting to be breeding season for birds, at least in the northern hemisphere (it does not say in your profile where you live, if you put that in, it makes it easier for people to help you) so I'll assume you are in the northern hemisphere like I am. The hooting could be the owl trying to find territory or a mate. Although owls don't normally hunt in the day time, like most predators they are opportunistic. If there is some really great and easy meal to be had, they might take it either in the early morning or later in the afternoon. I would say it's not real likely, but I have lived long enough to realize that even things that are really unlikely sometimes happen. You might consider getting some netting or something to put over your run. One strand of fishing line might not help much to deter a hawk if it's really hungry, and then the owl would not be a problem either.

 

[birdmanmax]

There is actually several species of owls that hunt during the day but most do not. The only one I have personally seen out and about during the day are barred owls.

 

[LucyBO16]

Yes, I do live in the Northern Hemisphere. Thank you. I will get some netting to put over the run.

 

[baskiely]

Owls hunt primarily at night.