Eagle In the Neighbourhood

[xXChickenTenderXx]

We have noticed that there is a bald eagle down the road (which is a pretty safe distance) is watching on of our neighbors chickens. It has been there for at least two days. We haven't seen any blood or any of their chickens missing, so the eagle doesn't seem active. Is the eagle going to attack? Should I be worried about our chickens? Should I take extra precautions?

 

[Isadora]

I would be worried. An eagle can carry off any sized chicken. Do you have a covered run?

 

[HeatherKellyB]

Has it moved at all?

 

[xXChickenTenderXx]

I would be worried. An eagle can carry off any sized chicken. Do you have a covered run?

Yes we do, but we let our chickens out to free range because our coop and run is small, therefore they will peck each others neck feathers.

 

[xXChickenTenderXx]

Has it moved at all?

Yes, it occasionally moves from tree to tree from what we have seen when we drive by. Like I said, it is down the road, but I'm just worried it will find our house

 

[Isadora]

Yes we do, but we let our chickens out to free range because our coop and run is small, therefore they will peck each others neck feathers.

Really a secure coop and covered run is the way to protect them against aerial predators. You could provide some hiding spots in the yard, think something like a picnic table or bushes, etc and that would help in the event of a hawk attack, but certainly wouldn't prevent anything.

 

[xXChickenTenderXx]

The coop and run is definitely secure. My chickens aren't a fan of snow so the do not go very far in the yard yet so they have access to the coop and if they want to they are easily able to go inside within seconds.