I think I figured it out

[FlashPointFarm]

Something carried off a few of my birds last Summer. I was clueless as to what, but had an idea. My idea was wrong.

Yesterday, I looked out the window to find a full grown bald eagle perched in a tree looking down at my chicken run. I went outside to rush everyone in. By the time I got out there, the last hen was on her way in the pop door and 3 of my roosters were standing by the pop door giving their warning cackles. I got them all in. Obviously, the chickens are on to the eagle's tactics!

This is one predator I can't fight.

 

[chookchick]

That's one of the reasons I don't free-range--we have bald eagles all around. I'm sure they could haul off a full-grown chicken no problem! Do you have any covering over your run? I don't think it would take much to discourage them, as they need a lot of area to maneuver in and take off.

 

[Gonzo]

Yeah, wouldn't be a wise battle. I'm pretty sure that would consist of some nice Federal time....but, on the brite side, I'm sure it was an amazing sight to see, after everyone was safe and sound!
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[Emzyyy]

You can hang CD's up they often keep birds of prey away and plant bushes for the chickens to take cover in. We have our tractor trailer thing parked in the backyard that they dart under and a wood pile and much brush. Goodluck.

 

[FlashPointFarm]

I do free range in the Summer. With these Iowa winters, I don't want my chickens getting lost in a snowbank, so they are kept in. Most of my breeders are in a barn all year, for now.
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[feathersnuggles]

Today my flock was free-ranging the yard. It was a gloriously beautiful afternoon. After several hours, I decided to check up on them. I walked out the back door of our house and there, 2 houses away, standing upright in a tall fir, was a HUGE bald eagle. In a flash, I felt my birds in danger, so I panicked & rushed the flock back into their coop, shutting the door.

The eagle took off and flew just beyond our yard. Then... about 15 seconds later, another bald eagle, from a slightly different direction, came flying very low and DIRECTLY OVER our roof - so low that, in fact, I could see its eye! If I didn't have chickens, I would have savored the moment, but as it was, my heart just pounded furiously.

Our yard has big trees, bushes, and large ferns -- some are evergreens. The chickens also can go under our deck, which is 3 ft. from the ground. Still, I'm nervous. Does anyone know if bald eagles are actually deterred with hanging CDs? How big of a space do they need to land, and take off?

 

[FlashPointFarm]

Lucky for us, Eagles are a bit lazy. Not sure about the CD hanging thing, have never heard whether or not that works. If they can get away quickly, they MIGHT be ok. If you have roosters out with your girls, they should help sound off when danger is overhead.

 

[feathersnuggles]

Thanks FlashpointFarm. No, sadly, I don't have a rooster. The crows are pretty loud around here, and I've been hoping they will give enough warning for my girls to take cover. It's mating & nesting season for eagles, right now. I think that's why they are aggressively hunting.

 

[Kittymomma]

The crows are great! They put up a big fuss when an eagle or hawk shows up and will even mob it if it hangs around too long. Crows can be a bit of a pain in their own right, but there is no better legal deterent for birds of prey then a bunch of crows living in the area.

 

[FlashPointFarm]

That's awesome about the crows. We don't have too many around here. We get a lot of turkey vultures.