Eagles?

[maralynn28]

Hi all,
I posted earlier about possible predators and got lots of replies on dogs, specifically neighbor dogs. While I DO understand that they are a big problem... What I'm really concerned about are hawks/Eagles as I live in WA. I was hoping any other Washingtonians or others who have hawks/EAGLES in their area can tell me if they are a threat only to the young or if I have to be on the lookout for full grown ducks being carried off.

If it's just the young, how big do they have to be before they are safe? Thanks!

 

[JoAnn_WI_4-H_Mom]

Eagles migrate through and to Wisconsin. The neighbor has lost full size ducks to eagles.

We pasture Large Fowl Chickens in eletronet. We have lost 2 birds that became entangled in the fence. I believe this happened when a hawk/eagle swooped low and frightened them into the fence.

We provide lots of cover from aerial attack, including old yard chairs and tables, raspberry bushes, and "Caution" tape strung zig-zag across the pasture from the tops of the poles of the fence. We have had no problems when these were available. Adult birds have become very sky sensitive and have look-outs and warning calls. It is interesting to watch them ducking for cover.

Birds younger than 6 weeks are kept in a hoop house inside the electric fence. I feel they are of a size that hawks/eagles could easily carry away, and do not want to give them the temptation.

 

[CMV]

Well, I am not from your area, but have a fair amount of experience with aerial predators. Aerial predators will attack birds of any age and can generally take down anything they set their sights on. A covered run is your best bet.

 

[maralynn28]

Thanks so much, that's what I was worried about. I wish I could let my duckies out carefree, but suppose the danger risk is just too high. I guess a covered moveable run is in order.