falcon

[centrarchid]

I am doubting a falcon is involved. A true hawk more likely. I want to see a picture of bird actually scoping out pen.

 

[ButtonquailGirl14]

Believe me, I have only had one chicken die, ever. It was a small chick that I had in a pen with the others, right in front of me the hawk dove in through a 6inch gap and killed her on impact

 

[centrarchid]

Most instances I hear either chickens or songbirds give hawk warning that is very easy to pickup. My chickens and even dogs know song bird calls indicating hawk. When I hear it is automatic to respond and figure out direction. Attacks on songbirds and small chickens give quick kills. Bigger chickens are tougher and here they prevent attacks on smaller birds. Mine do fight back or at least give a very effective bluff.

 

[Folly's place]

My losses to hawks have been bantams, especially young and dumb cockerels, as they get more independent. I have lost a bantam broody hen, defending her (surviving) chicks, and a half grown red ranger, killed by a very bold Cooper's hawk. That bird carried his kill 15 ft. to our pickup bed and was eating it there!!! We had words, and the meaties were then locked in for three weeks.
Mary

 

[JAE1974]

I am doubting a falcon is involved. A true hawk more likely. I want to see a picture of bird actually scoping out pen.

I may live in the city now, but I was raised out in the woods. I am more versed in wildlife than most and paint and sketch wildlife, several subjects that are part of the falco family. It is without doubt a falcon. It was not around yesterday evening for a photo op, which is a good thing. But I will be keeping an eye out before leng my girls out.

 

[cmom]

Several years ago my hubby was cutting some wood on his table saw which was right next to some chicks that were in a small temporary pen. A hawk swooped down and grabbed a chick right next to where he was cutting some wood. Another time I was out in our blueberry patch which is next to some of the coops and some of the birds were out with me. A hawk came down and killed a bird that was right next to me in the blueberries. I see hawks now and then. Lately we have had a young Red Tail hawk hanging around. Not letting the birds out. The birds have heavy duty netting covering their pens.

 

[bobby2fish]

Thanks all for the prudent advice!
I too believe that a hawk or falcon is way to fast to stop, if she is already swooping.

 

[centrarchid]

We not thinking or otherwise being clear. You do not beat a raptor already swooping. You be aware of its presence before swoop starts. Most people do not appear to have good situarional awareness if not seeking until attack starts. Sadly

 

[Chicken Heel]

Having never had geese, I have been told their presence among other poultry will lessen the chances of raptor attacks due to their being on constant alert and hissing, etc. when one is spotted. Just curious if that is accurate.

 

[Hobbits Mommie]

Nope. They will snatch up a small puppy, or kitten who's standing right at your feet before you can even blink.