I literally snatched one of my chicks away from a hawk

[Barred Rocker]

After losing one of my chicks to a hawk a month ago I've been keeping my eye out for the scoundrel ever since. Today my young pullets were out scratching in the yard while I was inside and we started getting a downpour so I peeked out of the window to see if the chicks found cover when at that moment I saw a hawk dive out of the trees and try to drag one of my 10 week old pullets into the woods. I ran out of the house waving my arms and screaming but the darn hawk was determined. I was within swinging distance when it decided to give up the fight and flew off. My poor little pullet was paralyzed in fear, I thought she was dead, she wouldn't move and I couldn't even tell if she was breathing but I picked her up and held her for about 5 mins and she started to snap out of it. Fortunately she suffered no injuries just in a state of shock as well as her brother and sisters. Needless to say they all went to bed early today all safe and sound in their hutch which is where they're going to stay for a good while. Mr Hawk is going to be hungry tomorrow.

 

[briana1975]

That would be scary. I am glad your chicken is ok.

 

[Serrin]

That is just about so near identical as what happened to my Abigail last November as makes no never-mind!!! I'm still astounded that there wasn't a single mark on her!

I got within just shy of grabbing distance of Mr. Cooper Hawk when he went after Abby. I think if I had managed to get my hands on him, I actually could have wrung his neck what with all of the adrenaline in my system at the time!!

I'm glad your story has a happy ending and that your little pullet is safe and sound along with the rest of the family. It will probably take the better part of two weeks for Mr. Hawk to forget that you have such easy pickings about. But, hopefully you gave him a great deal to think about in the meantime.

 

[Barred Rocker]

That's amazing Serrin. I never thought a hawk could be so bold. My young chickens are going to stay in their pen for few more months until they get full grown. I could be wrong but it seems the hawk dosen't mess with the big Chickens plus I think my rooster would have something to say about it if it tried for one of the hens. The little pullet, named Samoa, is still a little shakey today but looks like she's going to be ok. I guess she realizes how close she came to being dinner.

 

[froggie71]

Wow, That is my DH's fear. Everytime we have our birds free ranging he listens for the hawks which are always nearby. We only let everyone free range when we are outside with them. I'm glad everyone is ok. Especially your pullet. Sounds like she needs some special treat for surviving the attack!