Losing a bird is always difficult and witnessing that loss to a predator is especially hard. We do all we can to protect against that but when the threat comes from the sky it is almost impossible to guard against. For some reason it seems that they always manage to get the birds that are our favorites.
Several years ago I had a Blue Andalusian hen that spent the winter in our house. She was the only chicken I have ever given a name. When we first placed her in the flock she didn't understand what those other creatures were and would come running to us the instant she saw us.
One afternoon I looked out just in time to see a Cooper's hawk stoop into the run. With 25 potential meals to choose from it unerringly seemed to opt for Blue. While I was able to prevent it from flying off the damag was done.
The following spring a hawk took out a favored Ameraucana.
If you are going to free range or keep your birds in an uncovered run, the risk from aerial predators will always exist. I've decided that it is a risk that I am going to have to accept. So while I will still lament the loss of bird I will rejoice at having witnessed nature at work.
Several years ago I had a Blue Andalusian hen that spent the winter in our house. She was the only chicken I have ever given a name. When we first placed her in the flock she didn't understand what those other creatures were and would come running to us the instant she saw us.
One afternoon I looked out just in time to see a Cooper's hawk stoop into the run. With 25 potential meals to choose from it unerringly seemed to opt for Blue. While I was able to prevent it from flying off the damag was done.
The following spring a hawk took out a favored Ameraucana.
If you are going to free range or keep your birds in an uncovered run, the risk from aerial predators will always exist. I've decided that it is a risk that I am going to have to accept. So while I will still lament the loss of bird I will rejoice at having witnessed nature at work.
