NEVER underestimate hawks...

[Critter Crazed]

Quote:
That's good it's better.

I bet it's waiting for you to bring your chickies outside again.

 

[Clare_CA]

I just found this thread. I lost a chick yesterday to a hawk. I didn't know that a hawk would be so bold as to snatch my little chick from my backyard, especially since I was out there frequently to check on the chicks. I had the entire veggie bed surrounded with chicken wire and an overhead umbrella and a second shelter inside the area. My three-week old chicks were just getting some outdoor time today in the sunshine to acclimate them to going outside.

There wasn't any overhead protection though, and when I went to bring my chicks inside, I noticed that one was missing. I checked the area and couldn't find her, but if she had gotten out, there would be a distress call from her. When I came out to bring them in, a hawk flew overhead very close to the yard, and I could see a second one circling nearby. I think they were red-tailed hawks. I am certain now that she was snatched during the day when I was inside for a few minutes.

I am so distressed that I lost my little Annabelle, and I am so upset that I didn't protect her better. We are building a coop and a run for the others. We hadn't planned on covering the run, but you can be sure that we will now, but now I am concerned for their safety when I let them out of the run to free range.

My only hope now is that she didn't suffer. I know that I will be suffering about this for a long time to come.

Your advice to never understimate hawks is good advice. I did underestimate them because I knew that they had been in the area before, but I didn't think they would be so bold to come into a small residential yard.

 

[Dutchess]

Quote:
YES... Picture?

Dogs are the best! Next to chickens, of course.

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

Here he is.

Paw

 

[wegotchickens]

Glad you are okay!

I learned about guarding my babies last year when I saw a hawk hovering over my chicks one day last spring, while I was about 25' away in the yard. Now I have a pen with a cover built on. They get sun & air but a raptor would hit wires if it went for them.

My roo is really good at watching for hawks and warning his girls. I'm glad, since we have 2 Red-Tails that visit often but haven't had chicken for dinner yet... And won't, if I'm careful.
My run is hardware cloth and my chickens are only out when I'm there with them.

I rescued one of the 2 hawks that circled us last summer.
I'm glad I did. She's beautiful!!

But I know first-hand exactly how strong those talons are! Wow!!
I'm glad you went to the hospital and are recovering well.
Your dog is a cutie!

 

[gallina man]

great story glad ur okay

 

[Overeasyplz]

Quote:
my thoughts exactly!
Wow! What an intense story!! holy cow..

 

[ksct]

what a handsome boy your dog is.

and clare_CA.... what kind of chicks are those? besides adorable!?!!
Sorry to hear of your loss as well!

 

[Pet Duck Boy]

Nothing much to report other than my arm is fine, though still scratched up. My dog is guarding the chicks extra well now, he won't let them out of his sight!

 

[lizzy06019]

O M G!!!! What an incredible pup (and handsome too)

I can't get over all the wonderful people here on BYC! They always give the greatest advice and, in this case, could have even saved your life! I'm just so happy to hear you, your chicks and your pup had a great outcome from all this. It's just incredible! Give your dog his favorite bone and/or treats from all of us! And I think those chicks deserve some extra mealworms