Do turkey buzzards kill as well as scavange?

[TwinMommy2009]

My family has a cattle business and they have problems with vultures going for calves while they are being birthed. So, from experience, I'd say yes. As for killing chickens/ducks/etc... I dont know about that?? Ive never heard such a thing.

 

[Cara]

We've never had a problem with them bothering the birds, cattle, or anything else.

 

[gottsegnet]

I'm wondering if maybe the chickens look injured to a turkey vulture? They are domesticated, slow and move a little awkwardly about the property. Wild animals are normally flightier and stick close to cover. Only a sick or injured prey animal would take a nap in the sun far from cover because it felt at home.

Just musing because we have a lot of turkey vultures. They circle and sometimes come in pretty close, but always lose interest when the chickens scatter.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
yup they do..
i had one attack a silkie i had...

 

[surgerynut]

I was wondering the same thing. Since I got my chickens, I've counted up to 14 of them soaring overhead. Made me a little nervous for my smaller fry.

 

[animalpro24]

They are not known to kill live animals but better to be safe then sorry. I had the same experience the other day, 4 vultures sitting in a tree by our duck pen.

 

[mjuenem]

Reminds me of the Gary Larson cartoon of two vultures sitting in a tree: "patience my a@@, I'm gonna kill something!"

 

[The Tinman]

Usually they like stuff that has been dead awhile. It is easyer to eat
Quote:
I completely agree. I wouldnt worry about them unless you notice them acting strange.

 

[RachaelS]

My friend watched a vulture come down and rip a chicken threw the chicken wire. She said it happened so fast by the time she got to the coop there was just a mess. After that she gave away the two she had left and has not had chickens since. I did not ask what kind it was but we have both turkey and black ones here.

 

[ChooksinChoppers]

Also I have heard that where they roost, It gets very, very smelly! I would find a way to make them clear off.
*note* Many people on this thread said they have personally seen them taking chickens and other small defenceless animals so I wouldnt believe all that is on the internet.