Kids traumatized this morning

[pdsavage]

hmm I allways thought if it was on my property killing my animals I could kill it no matter the animal.....

 

[wyliefarms]

My kids went out yesterday morning to do chores and came running back in. My daughter #2's reserve grand champion doves had something attack the cage in the night.

Last month something ripped the females leg off at the hip? so she has no leg. She healed and is setting on eggs again.

Now the male dove got eaten and removed from the cage, just a lot of feathers left.

They live in a glorified rabbit hutch, indoor and outdoor accomadations. It sits next to an old trailer and the varmit climbed up on the wheel well and reached through the chicken wire. The hutch has been there for 8 years with no trouble, so we were quite surprised!

We know how you feel. Sorry about the loss.

We also have a redtail hawk hanging out. As soon as the chickens hear his call, they run for cover. Haven't lost one to him/her yet.

 

[seedcorn]

this time of year they are terrible as they move from North to south. Any easy meal will do. I've lost 2 pigeons in the last 4 days. At least they haven't hit the bantams....yet.

 

[joebryant]

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That is really sad. It would take a while for even me to recover from seeing a hawk get MY silkie. I really feel sorry for your son.

 

[coffeelady3]

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Not anything that's Federally protected. Birds of Prey fall into this category.

 

[Oblio13]

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It's healthy for them to witness the realities of life. They'll see far worse before they're done. How you let them react to what they saw is more important than the actual event. We make it a point not to indulge fears with our kids. Or dogs or horses, for that matter.

 

[thechickenchick]

I am so sorry that your day started out like that.

I was just watching my male silkie chase the female around the run. It was adorable and we were getting a chuckle out of it. Then I come and read this. How sad. I sincerely hope your day only gets better.

 

[mistylady]

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We have a local guy in trouble for killing a bear that was running at him AGAIN after he ran it off earlier. Oddly enough the man will get a big fine but the bear, if it had attacked him and hurt him, would never have had to pay a dime for the damages and neither would the state who is going to be the one paid for the man killing the bear. The locals now know ... if you kill it ... bury it.

 

[MayberrySaint]

Just S.S.S...

 

[AngieChick]

Hawks are migratory, chances are that the situation will right itself without resorting to any illegal acts. If even for a couple of weeks you keep your birds in a covered run the hawk will probably move on if there is no access to easy prey. Others here have tried to encourage crows, as they warn birds of hawks and will chase them off, as well. If you haven't already, you should try to provide as much coverage/hiding spaces for your birds as possible if a covered run isn't possible.

Again, I would not recommend any illegal acts, the last thing your family needs is a hefty fine or an arrest.

I know it's a traumatic event, I am sorry for your loss and that your child witnessed it.