First (and hopefully last) hawk attack..

[ducklingmama]

I no sooner got home this afternoon and there was pandemonium coming from the back treeline. A hawk got ahold of one of my female Pekins. Thankfully the other ducks sounded the alarm and we were able to intervene and she survived, but not without some wounds to her face, bill, and eye. I took her to the vet and was able to get her on some antibiotics. She'll be in quarantine for a while, but so thankful she is ok. I really prefer that my birds free range, but with the massive hawk that attacked her, I'm afraid it will happen again. I have several chickens too - they have never been attacked. I guess maybe wrong place, wrong time! Has anyone else had issues with hawks attacking their ducks?

 

[Crooked Chicken]

I no sooner got home this afternoon and there was pandemonium coming from the back treeline. A hawk got ahold of one of my female Pekins. Thankfully the other ducks sounded the alarm and we were able to intervene and she survived, but not without some wounds to her face, bill, and eye. I took her to the vet and was able to get her on some antibiotics. She'll be in quarantine for a while, but so thankful she is ok. I really prefer that my birds free range, but with the massive hawk that attacked her, I'm afraid it will happen again. I have several chickens too - they have never been attacked. I guess maybe wrong place, wrong time! Has anyone else had issues with hawks attacking their ducks?View attachment 1134301

Aw, poor baby. I hope she isn't feeling too bad.

I have not have them attack the Pekins (I have 2 males), but some large bird attempted an attack on one of my chickens about 2 weeks ago. Luckily no harm. I really didn't think they'd go for the ducks since they are so big and heavy.... now I have to worry about them too

I was going to stop free ranging, and did for a few days, but have been letting them all come out for at least a little while most days, but I feel like I have to chaperone them.

Speedy recovery duckie!

 

[ducklingmama]

I never thought they would either - especially with all the hens running around......and out in the open. This attack happened in the tree line, where there was a lot of brush and cover. So, now I don't really know what is safe for them while free ranging. Our run isn't quite done yet, but I guess I can put them in there during the day (it's covered) and then lock them in the coop at night. They are just so happy free ranging though - I hate to lock them up.

 

[Crooked Chicken]

I never thought they would either - especially with all the hens running around......and out in the open. This attack happened in the tree line, where there was a lot of brush and cover. So, now I don't really know what is safe for them while free ranging. Our run isn't quite done yet, but I guess I can put them in there during the day (it's covered) and then lock them in the coop at night. They are just so happy free ranging though - I hate to lock them up.

Yeah, my chicken got attacked right beside the shrubbery. That is what saved her as she jumped into the bushes. I know the bird made contact, but enough to do any harm. Grr.....

I guess we just have to decide if we are willing to risk possible injury/loss. My birds really love being out. The times they are left in their coop and run -- they end up sitting inside all day and just poop. I'm torn on what to do and keep letting them out. They seem to enjoy it so much and I really enjoy watching them.

 

[Cluckcluck1215]

Aww, poor thing

Luckily, she doesn't seem to badly injured.Ive had and seen worse, trust me.She'll live

As for prevention...Lots of hiding, Old CDs hung up, Fishing line..