Hawk Attack!!! RIP Dumplin'

[chickensioux]

Quote:
Dumplin was partridge cochin. That is a good idea to make an offering to the crows. How do I do this and make sure the crows get it?

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

I attempted to attract crows a few months ago, I just placed a plate of catfood and dog kibble on an open spot in my yard. Crows came and left, but the blue jays stayed around and those themselves do a great job of scaring the hawks, they also make alarm calls when one is nearby.

 

[LeezyBeezy]

The hawk that tried to nab my gal two week ago has been hanging around. I don't think it could lift her off the ground, but it sure could kill her. Funny, I don't have many jays or crows around. I may try to attract them too.

 

[chickensioux]

Quote:
Dumplin was a very large hen and very plump. It killed her on the ground and stayed there eating. That is typical hawk behavior when they capture larger prey.

 

[cozycrestmom]

Sorry about Dumplin.... Big HUGS to you....

 

[DDRanch]

I am sorry. It's never easy to lose one.

 

[greyartist]

I am in the same spot. I just lost the 2nd hen yesterday to a hawk. My white faverolle Angel. Got another fav the week before. I had them shut up in a small covered lot since the last attack but let them out for the evening after cutting grass so they could forage. Both were killed right beside the lot, also covered in trees. What to do??? I hate leaving them up all the time.

 

[Kuvasz]

My thoughts and prayers go out to lil Dumplin'. Why is it they can always spot our favorite ones like that.....sigh. I'm so sorry to hear that happened to her and to you.

My favorite brahma pullet, Eagle, was attacked on Saturday, just 5 days ago. Thankfully I walked out there in the nick of time and that evil hawk dropped her and left, and she did survive. It's so upsetting, and my chicks are all still pretty traumatized too. The other day a helicopter flew overhead and it turned into chicken mayhem here for a few minutes they were so scared.

Sometimes we do all we can do, as you said, you had every precaution going for your chickens, and still...... I've heard it's a bad time of year, migration and all that, and until now, owning chickens, I never had heard of hawk migration. I've always lived in fear of hawks diving on my chihuahuas, and stay close by them and alert when outside with them (always leashed)..... but, yes, chickens....there is only so much you can do if you let them out. I've taken to pacing back and forth in the fenced area with my chicks when I let them out for 15 mins or 2 hours, with a rake over my head, occasionally shaking it at the sky just in case that darn thing is watching me! And I wouldn't hesitate to use it if I had too, either, to protect my chickies.

Again, I wish you well with all the rest of your chickens, and I know you will miss Dumplin' for some time to come. Fond memories.