Kestrels vs. Chicks?

[Chicks Galore3]

I just saw a female American Kestrel sitting on our telephone wire. First thought: Such a pretty bird!! Second thought: Will it harm my chickens? I did a little research on here and it doesn't seem like they will bother my full grown chickens. However, I have 2 bantams and 2 two month old chicks. Should I be concerned about them? Also, I'm planning on getting some silkies next spring and would they bother them?

 

[Folly's place]

Bantams and young chicks are at risk from many hawk species. If she's hanging around, lock your little birds in for a week or so, until she moves on. Mary

 

[GitaBooks]

Kestrels usually go after rodents, however, they may go after chicks if hungry. I had a hawk take one of my pullets. The best way to stop attacks is to provide lots of tall plants, trees, tables, and places to hide in and under. The chickens will yell an alarm and all the chicks and bantams will run to cover. Silkies can't see birds of prey well and may need their crests trimmed some.

 

[centrarchid]

I doubt an American Kestrel will attempt to anything more than half its weight this time of year. Insects and rodents are too easy to come by. Bantams a month old should be well beyond what would be considered during even during winter when American Kestrels sometimes go after larger prey like Starlings and Robins. I have seen 2 week old chicks attack and repel an American Kestrel that was on the ground near them. The chicks acted like adults going after a larger hawk on the ground and actually flogged the kestrel. The kestrel clearly did not enjoy the attack.

 

[rides2far]

Yes, Kestrals are very small. We saw one hit a strand of barbed wire, so we stopped to see if it was hurt. After chasing it through an orange grove, we finally caught it. It had a damaged wing & couldn't fly, but it sure could run! We took it to an animal rehab facility. I held it while we drove & they are small & light.