Lost my first one

[Tomhusker]

Got home from work and found white feathers strewn across the yard. This is the first time ever that I have lost a bird to a predator. I assume it was a hawk.

I've seen a hawk flying around, but it was always under attack by some wild birds that nest in the area.

I'll be ready for it tomorrow. It won't get another.

 

[enola]

Feathers strewn across the yard usually means a canine. Hawks will knock the chicken to the ground while killing it and then pluck the feathers off the breast before eating the meat. They usually leave the carcass.

 

[Tomhusker]

The flock is kept in a run made of electric poultry net. No 4 legged critter can get to them without going over it or through it. While I don't doubt the possibility, I find it highly improbable. I have 10 ducks who are free range that would make a much easier meal.

 

[chickengeorgeto]

Got home from work and found white feathers strewn across the yard. This is the first time ever that I have lost a bird to a predator. I assume it was a hawk.

I've seen a hawk flying around, but it was always under attack by some wild birds that nest in the area.

I'll be ready for it tomorrow. It won't get another.

Quote:
Bobcats, red foxes, and coyotes, all 3 can jump a 7 foot high fence flatfooted. Not to be out done, a gray fox can climb most trees (and fences) about as well as a raccoon.

From your description it sounds like the bird was taken in your yard and not in the run. Chickens are incapable of higher reasoning, that is why they often become dinner when they fly the coop and find themselves in the chicken version of Indian territory.

K9s like foxes and coyotes (not to mention stray dogs) enjoys the chase, which is what your description of the kill sight reminds me of. Bobcats on the other hand prefer to hunt with stealth and cunning than to run down their prey down.

 

[Tomhusker]

We will figure out what it is a deal with it with extreme prejudice. I prefer it to be a four legged critter as it would be easier to put out of my misery.

 

[Folly's place]

It's illegal everywhere to harass or kill and raptor. Your best defense against hawk is a covered run, used at least intermittently, when there's been a hawk attack. When I have a hawk situation, my flock is locked in their run for one to three weeks, and the hawk moves on elsewhere. Mary

 

[alibabba]

Bobcats, red foxes, and coyotes, all 3 can jump a 7 foot high fence flatfooted. Not to be out done, a gray fox can climb most trees (and fences) about as well as a raccoon.

From your description it sounds like the bird was taken in your yard and not in the run. Chickens are incapable of higher reasoning, that is why they often become dinner when they fly the coop and find themselves in the chicken version of Indian territory.

K9s like foxes and coyotes (not to mention stray dogs) enjoys the chase, which is what your description of the kill sight reminds me of. Bobcats on the other hand prefer to hunt with stealth and cunning than to run down their prey down.

Ok, people who use electric know how it works. So we yes know it was arial. the cheap, home depot bird net works great and wont' slump your poultry fence. or some light fishing line strung across about 1 ft to 1.5 ft. squares if you can manage it, they shouldn't go through just the tight lines though, they don't want to risk their wings.