I need help. Someone is stalking my chickens

[Lenny loves chickens]

Hey guys I usally let my chickens free range however its winter and they want to so bad. But I have an owl that sits in the tree and watches them should I worry? Is there anything I can do to get it to leave?

 

[Bigtom Turkey]

Owls will kill and eat chickens, so yes you should worry.

 

[addctd2plnts]

You can still let them go outside if you get a movable walk in run that has a top. We live in an area that is FULL of predators and with this type of covered movable runs we have never lost a bird! I do however highly suggest upgrading any chicken wire to 1/2 hardware cloth and upgrading the tiny zip ties for 1 cm, extra strong zip ties. Chicken wire doesn't stop ANY predator! We got ours from Stromberg's Poultry. We have the small size which can easily be moved with 2 women. The medium size needs 2 really strong or preferably 3 people to move. I'm sure the large would take 3-4 people to move, so keep that in mind. We move ours daily to allow grass a rest and grass stays in good condition.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

This is what my run looks like however its middle of winter so I has clear shower curtains covering the the run...I know this is not a big enough run. But I have custom order a coop like 6 months ago and will come in may it's about 6×8 insides and large run but thins is what I have for now and I always let them free range. Can I by chance. Put. A fake one

or anything else that will make the owl move.

 

[DukesDucks]

I don't think the owl is not going to leave if it thinks there is a chance of an easy meal. I suggest keeping your chickens confined until it moves on in search of easier prey. I can tell when there is an owl or hawk around because the crows go crazy.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

I don't think the owl is not going to leave if it thinks there is a chance of an easy meal. I suggest keeping your chickens confined until it moves on in search of easier prey. I can tell when there is an owl or hawk around because the crows go crazy.

Ok that's fair I just feel bad to confine there free souls lmao...but better than them being dead.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

One other question I am reading owls only take chickems at night. Would it be ok if they free range during light or no.

 

[addctd2plnts]

This is what my run looks like however its middle of winter so I has clear shower curtains covering the the run...I know this is not a big enough run. But I have custom order a coop like 6 months ago and will come in may it's about 6×8 insides and large run but thins is what I have for now and I always let them free range. Can I by chance. Put. A fake oneView attachment 2985377 or anything else that will make the owl move.

Fake owls don't work and neither do the red eyes they sell. The owl may leave, but it will be back. Free range poultry is "The Old Country Buffet" for predators. And the owl will pick them off one by one till all are gone. The movable run is the best option for still letting them go out safely. You can't leave them in it overnight, because it's not truly predator proof, but I couldn't keep any ducks where I am without them.

 

[LadiesAndJane]

One other question I am reading owls only take chickems at night. Would it be ok if they free range during light or no.

That is a myth. Many owls are crepuscular, which means they hunt at dawn and dusk.
I’m sure it’s not unheard of for them to hunt during the day as well.

 

[Lenny loves chickens]

That is a myth. Many owls are crepuscular, which means they hunt at dawn and dusk.
I’m sure it’s not unheard of for them to hunt during the day as well.

Good to know. So far the owl I have spotted before he spotted my chickens he sits in my front yard on a tree facing the road. Hooing. So I know he hasn't spotted them but I am concerned he might someday. Could I can animal control or a owl rehabilitation place to take him somewhere else?