Look at what's watching my babies!

[Sjisty]

We have had barred owls for the 2-1/2 years that we have lived here. The adults nest in a hollow tree beside our house and we have always enjoyed watching the babies grow up. They have never bothered our chickens, but this guy was sure watching my 2-week-old chicks that I had just put outside in their covered playpen.

I actually put a seat cushion on their playpen so they would be shielded by the owl, but they were just so spooked (and so was I) that I finally put them back inside. He's on top of the bird feeder in the second picture. He actually flew off the bird feeder and made a low circle around the playpen before flying to the garage roof - that's when the babies came back inside safe and sound!

 

[The Coastal Chicks]

Good looking owl but that is not good... Good Job protecting mama hen!

 

[kla37]

Owls sure are beautiful, but I'd be scared to let my babies out!

 

[Ariel301]

That first picture is beautiful!

You're going to need a chicken pen with a good roof to keep that thing out.

 

[Chickiemama1010]

beUTIFUL OWL THOUGH!

 

[Sjisty]

In the 2-1/2 years we have lived here (and 3 clutches of owls), this is the first baby owl that has shown an interest in the chicks. He isn't bothering the grown chickens. Believe me, I'm not letting these babies out without a roof over their heads!

 

[chickensioux]

Great pics.....beautiful bird. Good luck, keep those babies safe!

 

[Gold Griffin Chicken Mom]

I purchased some bottle rockets (flying fire crackers, in case they call them something different these days) in case I need to convince the hawk family that they should take their interest elsewhere. Thus far it's been effective on the groundhog. When they work right, after the SWOOSH they sound like a gun shot. I think it's federal law that we can't shoot raptors, but I have never seen it written any place that we can't SCARE them...

Your mileage may vary. Good luck with the feather babies!

 

[pgpoultry]

S(he)...the owl that is..... shouldn't be too much of a problem by day as they are nocturnal. It seems that your owl and one we have locally haven't heard that they really should not fly by day .We have an owl that lives in a nearby tree which hoots by day......I think he is trying to be heard above the crowing.

Sandie

 

[Cetawin]

Quote:
You cannot Kill, Harrass, Harm or otherwise cause injury....bottle rockets etc is effective but harrassing


OP: Beautiful owl but a bit too curious...great job protecting them.