I nearly had a heart attack! My first predator sighting....

[Quail_Antwerp]

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I most certainly did!

He had a nice mix of Boss with Rolled Oats.

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

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Yea! No kidding!

 

[ranchhand]

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I hope you don't mean he would actually shoot it. I must assume the gun is just to scare it away? I do understand protecting one's chickens but that could have some really bad results were he to shoot it.

Shooting a bird or prey is a federal offense and carries a huge fine.

 

[CMV]

I am glad no one was lost. Your roo deserves some extra treats.

Before owning chickens I loved to see hawks. Now...

 

[chickerdoodle]

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Aww, please don't shoot the hawk! I can see shooting in the air to shoo it away but it is against the law. Hawks and other raptors are in their natural habitat--we aren't. They are not like coyotes or raccoons who multiply in human populated areas becoming nuisances, they can decrease due to loss of territory. Its scary of course but since we brought in what they view as a natural "dinner" its our responsibility to protect the chickens without violence. I love all my pets and would walk through fire for them and I took that into consideration and we are building secure covered areas for the girls. Netting is a pain but it works if the chickens are cooped up at night. Perhaps the Audubon Society can offer other options to protect your flock.

 

[citrusdreams]

See? I toldja they'd run for cover

Just make sure they have that cover to run to. Do you have guineas? they raise a rucus when they see hawks fly overhead. That helps too.

I let the dogs out when I see one (if they're not already out), so I'm assuming that instead of standing there hissing at me, the next one would get tore up by the dogs. They are brazen, aren't they? Thankfully, they fly away when they see the dogs. It works out well.

 

[Bizzybirdy]

WOW! What a great roo you have! Big hugs to him for putting his life on the line to protect the others....

Glad you got to chase the hawk away.

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

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Yes, I have 6 guineas! They were hiding under the van with the chickens!

 

[bargain]

Oh my, you were blessed.......I wish you were closer to Georgia....I have a friend with a great Pyreenes for free....We already have our guard dog and he's voracious on predators.....It's still so scary to see them swoop!

Have a blessed day.

 

[ErieSpurs]

What part of Ohio do you live in? Up here in northern Ohio we have Bald Eagles. They nest a few miles away from my house and I see them every now and again.

I'm glad all are ok.