Merlin dangerous to Hens?

[b'hamPeeps]

Does anyone know? We've had a pair around the neighborhood for a while, which is cool. They are so rare. However, a couple times lately the male has been on our deck rail, shed roof, and today on our fence.

Now I know they are pretty small and eat songbirds, but are my hens in any danger? The girls are all big breeds and dash for cover under the bushes whenever they see one. They do have a covered run, but much prefer being out free rangeing in the yard.

Thanks!

 

[alicefelldown]

Merlin as in the hawk, sometimes called the Pigeon Hawk right? http://www.hlasek.com/foto/falco_columbarius_117.jpg right?

Yes, it is a bird of prey, a raptor - its your judgment regarding the size of your hens and the hawks. I'd still wager that if it could attack them, it would - maybe not kill if it's too small but it would try if hungry enough.

Is your run or coop secure?

 

[crazy_4_chickens]

Quote:
Ya make sure your coop & run is secure because i had a broblem at one time with a red tail hawk & a mangy fox. I had to shoot it took of my six nicest looking birds!!!

 

[ConchRepublic]

A merlin probably wont attack a full grown standard. Young standards and bantams will be perfect size for it though. Merlins wont usually attack anything bigger than a rat or pigeon but be careful.

 

[mom'sfolly]

Merlins generally hunt on wing, catching birds out of the air. Their most common prey is song birds, which they snatch out of the air. They will also bully larger hawks out of their territory. So, you may get an attack on your chickens, but it is extremely unlikely. They may even be good to have around because they will chase away the larger hawks that will take chickens. They might be hanging around to catch sparrows and similar birds that mooch off your chickies. If you have large standard breeds, I wouldn't be too worried.

 

[b'hamPeeps]

Thanks everyone! Mom's--that sounds great! Our smallest hen is a smallish standard ee and then we have a large standard ee and some BIG girls (BO and SLW). I know the merlins hang out at our place because we are a favorite songbird hangout--they sometimes come for chicken leftovers but mostly like the cover provided by our wisteria, evergreen hedge and holly trees.

I think I'll cross my fingers and think positive thoughts about the merlins keeping the bigger hawks away. Our girls love to free range so much, that I have been taking the risk to let them come out of their covered run.