Free range chickens are becoming Hawk Take-out!

[Chickensandbirds]

-probably depends upon the individual rooster. My two are bantams, pretty calm, but fearless and protective. My dominant roo (originally thought to be a pullet) was pecked something terrible as a chick. -lost feathers. -thought for certain that this one would be on the bottom of the pecking order. After about two months, it became apparent that this little one was a cockerel. He began crowing and squealing at anything that flew overhead. I think with a bit of time, you should be able to make a good evaluation of your rooster. -don't know that there are any specific breeds that are "better" than others.

 

[donnavee]

I have semi-free ranged my flock of chickens & ducks for 3 years and have only lost 2 ducks to what were probably hawks. I didn't see it happen but it was during the day. One of my losses was just a few days ago and since we do have a large fenced & covered area for thre chickens and another for the ducks, we have decided they will have to be locked up when we are not at home. Even with this extra precaution, I realize we could still lose a bird - but they do enjoy roaming so I'll probably continue to take ther risk. The 2 ducks we did lose were both taken when we were gone for the day so just being around outside seems deter them somewhat. I think I might try the plastic owl though - it is almost Halloween!

 

[Melabella]

someone told me about a motorized owl, life like looking that moves every now and then. Flaps wings, moves head, and has a recording. Itried to find it on the internet, but found nothing. Maybe it was a home made one.

My dogs were INSANE last night. I stupidly left out a plate of cut up bananas that my girls didn't seem interested in. I think the raccoons had a little feast as it was completely gone this morning. way to go MB, leave food out for the predetors.....Silly Chicken Mama I am!


MB