Hawk attack, hero rooster, and the circle of life

[Barred Feather]

It was a fight to the death, and our beloved 6 yr old rooster, Woo, lost this battle. All the hens were saved. My husband came home to find Woo dead and the hawk nearby. The hawk was covered in blood and was barely able to fly out of the fence area. The hawk must have been injured and resting because Woo was cold. (No signs of hawk eating on Woo.) Questions: How long does it take a large rooster (barred plymouth rock) to go cold (daytime temps of mid-40s)? What other hawks are as big or bigger than a red tailed in southeast? He couldn't make a good identification on the hawk because of the blood, but we didn't see the "red" tail or breast markings to indicate a red tailed hawk.

Woo was an awesome all around rooster and even though we are heartbroken we can't think of a better end for an aging hero rooster. Getting some answers will help us understand his last moments. We miss him and he surely can't be replaced.

 

[lilmillefleur]

What an inspiring story! Poor boy. If only I could convince my dad of getting a rooster with this heroic tale.

We have no red tailed hawks near our property, we have broad winged hawks. Don't know their size compared to other hawks tho. Haven't had any hawk incidents yet. We keep a very close eye on our chickens when they're out and about.

 

[Brahma Chicken5000]

What a chivalrous rooster. I’m so sorry for your loss

 

[AnneInTheBurbs]

So sorry for your loss of Woo, but what a brave boy! Thanks for sharing this story. I had an experience several weeks ago where my roosters or turkeys stepped in and prevented further losses.

I came home to find a little bantam hen dead, clearly from a hawk. There was no blood and not many feathers missing. I think the hawk unfortunately snapped her neck, but was interrupted by my good boys. Although I lost her, I am happy to know that any hawks that come by won't leave without a beating.

Also, to answer your questions, I would think it wouldn't take more than a few hours for chicken body to grow cold in those temps. It obviously depends if it was sunny, how big he was, etc. But the fact that the hawk was still laying there suffering, while his body was cold probably means he fatally injured the hawk a few hours ago.

Not sure about different hawks in the Southeast, but I have a book with many pictures at home that may be able to help. I will try to check it out tonight and come back here.

 

[deepbluesea]

I'm so sorry for Woo's loss. You're right though--good way for a loyal rooster to go, as long as it was quick.
If it was as big as a red-tail, it might have been a juvenile--I don't think they have the red develop for a while.

 

[Barred Feather]

I'm so sorry for Woo's loss. You're right though--good way for a loyal rooster to go, as long as it was quick.
If it was as big as a red-tail, it might have been a juvenile--I don't think they have the red develop for a while.

I had the thought it might be juvenile. Thanks.

 

[Barred Feather]

Thanks everyone! hugs. He fought off a hawk many years earlier (in another location) and won, but not this time. We usually let them out during the day and haven't had problems with big hawks. We had a nesting pair of smaller hawks last year that didn't seem a threat. As much as we are angry at the hawk, we also respect the hawk and its role in nature. Just wish it wanted something else to eat!!!

 

[Barred Feather]

Also, to answer your questions, I would think it wouldn't take more than a few hours for chicken body to grow cold in those temps. It obviously depends if it was sunny, how big he was, etc. But the fact that the hawk was still laying there suffering, while his body was cold probably means he fatally injured the hawk a few hours ago.

He was a fairly big bird and we were surprised he was cold when we found him. It happened somewhere in a three hour time when we were away. We wondered how bad the hawk was hurt. Been looking for it, but it hasn't hung around.

 

[Stayc]

What a brave boy. Sorry for your loss. Thanks for sharing your experience.

 

[staceyj]

Poor woo!
Poor you!
I am so sorry.