Hen catches small gray bird.

[Love Donkeys]

I was cleaning my walk-in coop this morning. A small gray bird flew in and went under the roost bars. When it went to fly out it stunned it's self on the roost bar. One of the hens pounced on the stunned bird and swallow it whole. From the beak to the tail in two gulps. I have seen hens gobble down mice, but never a little bird. Is this strange behavior or she just took advantage for a quick meal?

 

[WingItRanch]

I was cleaning my walk-in coop this morning. A small gray bird flew in and went under the roost bars. When it went to fly out it stunned it's self on the roost bar. One of the hens pounced on the stunned bird and swallow it whole. From the beak to the tail in two gulps. I have seen hens gobble down mice, but never a little bird. Is this strange behavior or she just took advantage for a quick meal?

Sounds like she's a good hunter! I was shocked first time I saw one of my girls catch and rip apart a frog. Little dinosaurs for sure!

 

[OrpingtonManiac]

Its totally natural behaviour -chickens are omnivore’s. I've found chickens will eat anything, birds, frogs, mice etc.