First fatality!

[jbrianchamberli]

Irritated. I knew getting into this, something like this would eventually happen. This afternoon we lost our first chicken. They semi free range but haven’t had an issue since we got them in the Spring. A little blood, what looks like a broken neck but who knows? If it were a fox I’d think it would have taken it. Our neighbor says there is a red tailed hawk in the area. Supposedly endangered. Will be more endangered if I can get a clean shot off. I know, they’re only doing what they do. Had it fed babies with my chicken I’d feel better. Poor thing died for nothing. Will have to keep them locked up for a bit. Not sure what to do.

 

[sourland]

Keeping your birds cooped and only allowing supervised free ranging is probably a good idea for a while. Fox, coyote, bobcat would most likely have 'snatched and ran'. I'm inclined to think you are dealing with a raptor of some sort. Good luck.

 

[Trish1974]

^^ what he said.

 

[Lady of McCamley]

x2
Likely raptor...and I'm sure you know this...it is illegal to harass birds of prey in any way...Federal Law.

I use a lot of hawk netting at strategic places. Really cut down on my hawk losses.

LofMc

 

[jbrianchamberli]

Oh I get it. It’s illegal blah blah. I’d shoot a bald eagle in the face if it were attacking my chickens. I don’t care.

 

[DuckLady]

Thank you for your participation. Though this section is more lenient in posting, as always, BYC doesn't condone illegal acts.