Keeping Chickens Free Range

[duluthralphie]

I like when I have crows and ravens around, it means less chance of hawks and eagles.

I would not trust a raven with a chick though.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Crows will go after hawks. I know of folks who have seen a flock of crows eating a hawk.

Yes, I have also seen a Red Tailed Hawk eating a large road kill Raccoon, while the hawk by just the force of its personality held off a whole flock of Crows who were standing around on the edge of the pavement, meekly waiting for their turn at the free all you can eat Raccoon buffet.

 

[duluthralphie]

Yes, I have also seen a Red Tailed Hawk eating a large road kill Raccoon, while the hawk by just the force of its personality held off a whole flock of Crows who were standing around on the edge of the pavement, meekly waiting for their turn at the free all you can eat Raccoon buffet.

I think if the hawk gets to the ground he can bully the crows, When I see Ravens and Crows harass and attack hawks is in the air. They are merciless then. Just like the small birds that harass crows in the air.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

I think if the hawk gets to the ground he can bully the crows, When I see Ravens and Crows harass and attack hawks is in the air. They are merciless then. Just like the small birds that harass crows in the air.

That is so true. I guess that what goes around, really does come around.

 

[SmColorInDaPan]

That is so true. I guess that what goes around, really does come around.

SAFETY in numbers for the smaller birds.
I saw a whole band of crows harassing my cat a the end of our driveway, in the 80's real suburbia there. He just sat there, while they dive bombed him or came danged close! I looked away then turned back to the screeches of the hawks. Cat had pinned one to the ground, with just one paw. Just sat there watching the crow going crazy flapping his free wing and screeching. Then he just let him go.
Like the story above about the crows not intruding on the hawks, Coon meal, 'talk' but, even in numbers, know their place??
Real nice here today. Know Cali storms usually head here so not expecting it to last....

 

[Attila the Hen]

Lost a poult about 3 weeks ago to a hawk most likely. When I let everyone out a hawk was waiting the next morning for them. I noticed it and it left. Since then it hasn't waited for the chickens and turkeys to be let out. However, the other day as I was walking in the yard a hawk swooped down in front of me about head height and 20 feet in front of me. Probably interfered accidentally with its target. Mom, who is a turkey, is very protective of her young and there is plenty of tree cover.
Looking at earlier posts about cats and dogs--my experience is that all the cats are terrified of the chickens. The year old dog has had some issues with the rooster and I did see the dog with the roo in her mouth twice. I went beserk--the roo survived although he probably provoked it and deserved it. No one really likes him except his girls who tolerate him. He's a sultan--which probably explains it. A 50 pound personality in a 1 pound body.

 

[Tikkijane]

Lost a poult about 3 weeks ago to a hawk most likely. When I let everyone out a hawk was waiting the next morning for them. I noticed it and it left. Since then it hasn't waited for the chickens and turkeys to be let out. However, the other day as I was walking in the yard a hawk swooped down in front of me about head height and 20 feet in front of me. Probably interfered accidentally with its target. Mom, who is a turkey, is very protective of her young and there is plenty of tree cover.
Looking at earlier posts about cats and dogs--my experience is that all the cats are terrified of the chickens. The year old dog has had some issues with the rooster and I did see the dog with the roo in her mouth twice. I went beserk--the roo survived although he probably provoked it and deserved it. No one really likes him except his girls who tolerate him. He's a sultan--which probably explains it. A 50 pound personality in a 1 pound body.

I have a bantam cochin like that, too.

 

[vpatt]

Buzzards were flying all around for some time yesterday. The chickens did not seem concerned. I stayed outside for a good while and Big Dog was out strolling around. I am still unsure about buzzards. Hubby says not to worry.

 

[duluthralphie]

Buzzards were flying all around for some time yesterday. The chickens did not seem concerned. I stayed outside for a good while and Big Dog was out strolling around. I am still unsure about buzzards. Hubby says not to worry.

I saw this and the first thing that came to mind is "this lady needs a good Buzzard recipe".

I googled it and actually found one, kind of.

http://www.ricardocuisine.com/recipes/3016-buzzard-stewed-in-its-entrails-chicken-in-a-pumpkin-


I think your husband is right, but I would still be a tad cautious if I had younger chicks around. Big Dog should keep them away. I wish I could get my dogs to spend all day out guarding the chickens, but they are couch potatoes.

 

[plm6846]

Buzzards are no threat they are scavengers..that being said, ours follow Hawks and clean up leftovers!! So watch for those "airborn" threats