Is this thing coming after my chickens?

[OwlLover]

I wouldn't know, because we don't have roadrunners, but I'd beware. Keep them in a run with wire on top until the grow.

 

[tomatillo]

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I think they are very beautiful, too. And he was just back in that same spot 5 minutes ago on my fence. I do not know much about roadrunners, need to read some. I am wondering if it is a mom with a nest near my yard. My yard is kind of an oasis since I water my garden often in this drought.

I had a large yellow bellied racer snake that I let live out there, too. I think it was after the mice, too. I haven't seen it in a while. I got very close to this snake to take its picture, just like the roadrunner. I really think they see me as the water lady!

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

I think your chickens are big enough, but I don't have a comparison = you know roadrunners are after lizards mostly, smaller animals maybe newly hatched chicks(isn't everything)and would eat small birds, the issue is if they have enough other food available, I wouldn't trust anything with a beak like that if my chickens were the only food around

 

[ChickLover98]

It's cute. I want one!

Anyway, No, I don't think it will go after your chooks. I don't think it'll even bug them.

 

[Cattitude]

From the Golden Books Guide to Field Identification: Birds of North America, Copyright 1983 by Western Publishing Company, Inc.:

Greater Roadrunner - Large, crested, terrestrial bird of arid Southwest. Wings are short and rounded. Runs rapidly, trailing its long, white-tipped tail. Seldom flies. Eats lizards, snakes, insects. Song, dove-like, each note lower pitched.

Sounds as if the roadrunner is more interested in your garden critters than in your chickens. Still, I'd put some deer netting or other protection over the coop. Perhaps there is a bird-watching society in the area who could give you more information about this particular bird and if it is a danger to your babies. Hope everything works out okay.

 

[tomatillo]

Thanks for the info! I think it is *mainly* after mice, scorpions, lizards, etc.; however, I think if my little chicken walked in front of it, it would go for it since it is opportunistic.

 

[specklesmom]

If it is as dry where you are located as it is here in north central Texas, it may be looking for water!! Very nice photos.

 

[tomatillo]

I have been reading about roadrunners, and I think if it wanted my hens, it would have got them by now. These things kills rattlesnakes! They are so fast and then smash rattlesnakes against rocks! They also are fast enoough to grab hummingbirds in flight! There are many hummingbirds right around the fence right where it has been hanging out. They also eat scorpions. They also get water from the food they eat, so they do not need very much water if they get enough food. Wow. Very cool animal. They also stay warm by lifting up the feathers on their back and making a "solar panel". They are the fastest running bird that also flies. I am so impressed with how cool roadrunners are!

 

[Creed Bennett]

Well it's for darn sure that Wile E. Coyote won't be much help!

 

[openheartnp]

Quote:
Me either, great pics! Good luck with your flock!