How can I get rid of ravens?

[gritsar]

I think in different parts of the country ravens are called different things, including crows.

This is the "raven" we have around here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crow

The same regional differences occur with the bird commonly called a buzzard. Here in Arkansas there is a very large bird that I would call a raven, yet here they call it a buzzard. Pretty much any bird that eats carrion (roadkill) they call a buzzard.

 

[debilorrah]

You are right about people interchanging the two. Crows are smaller with a yellow beak. Ravens are large with a black beak. We have ravens

 

[BlackBart]

Thats a pretty bird.

We have the Northern Raven and the American Crow. Both all black. Ravens have a heavier bill and a square tail. Crows are much smaller and have a more pointed tail.

Ravens will hunt much like wolves. Bait and switch is a popular hunting trick. Another trick is one Raven keeps the chicken busy while the other comes up from behind.

Sometimes Ravens fly in groups of four or more when they are teaching their young.
In the winter they will roll down on the snow like little kids do.

They are smart and they soon learn chickens are off limits or else. the "else" being a scotch mint or stale jujube flies their way via slingshot.

Steller Jays are a version of the US Blue Jay. Almost the same except Stellers have a blue body, black head.

We don't call anything buzzards except Politicians

We have Turkey Vultures and several types of Eagles. The Eagles will eat carrion but mostly they fish. Sometimes in the Spring they will kill and carry off a newborn lamb. The local Eagle camera that is spied on a nest did show a Eagle fly up with a large red Rooster. The Eaglets finished it off in a day or so.
I guess somebody wondered where their rooster went.

 

[Ibicella]

Quote:
Agreed. Ravens predate much more than crows and don't flock. Crows are almost exclusively scavengers (though they might take an egg if they can get it). You don't want to have ravens around; they are as bad as hawks.

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Ravens are a menace!
Our dairy farmer has real trouble with them. They peck the eyes out of his newborn calves that end up born in the fields, and then proceed to kill and eat them.

Ravens are also protected, so its very difficult to get rid of them if they have taken up residence.

 

[DianeS]

Well I'm glad to find that some of you dislike them as much as I do, but I still don't know how I can keep them away from the run! I can chase them away when I'm home... but not while I'm at work.

I really need them gone. My little flock is flying somewhat under the radar, and having 8 or so ravens in my yard screaming at the chickens is going to attract attention if it hasn't already. I can't be responsible for the noise nuisance or I'll not be allowed to keep the chickens (since they're the reason the ravens are there).

Has anyone been successful in keeping them away when you're not there?

 

[PaulaJoAnne]

Quote:
THe only way we got them to leave, was to make sure any non grain foods we are feeding to them, stays hidden.
Maybe you will need to coop the chickens up for a few days, till they lose interest.

 

[BlackBart]

Dogs
Some dogs hate Ravens and chase them off it they try to land.
My dogs have taken it unto themselves to be the official guardians of the chickens.

Other than dogs, everytime you do see them throw something at them. After awhile all you will have to do is pretend to throw something at them and they fly off. Sometimes just clapping your hands makes them fly off.
Eventually they will only come around now and then.
Don't leave food out where they can see it and they can see very well.

 

[moondog425]

I keep my 4-10 handy to scare the thieving things with. Crows will fly right into my coop and feast on the laying pellets!!!! if my roo is close he goes nuts on them and trys to flog them.

 

[moondog425]

http://www.allaboutbirds.org/guide/Common_Raven/id