Pelican killing chickens

[Megan08]

Hi,
I have about 20 laying hens and a rooster- free range and in a coop at night. Located near San Antonio, TX. I have had a few hens disappear lately and today I saw a HUGE pelican swoop down trying to get one!! What do I do?? I haven't seem many Pelicans around here but this sure looked like one. Thank you!

 

[aart]

I don't think pelicans hunt chickens.......they hunt and eat fish.

Only thing to keep chickens totally safe from aerial predators is to keep them in a covered run.

 

[CrazyTalk]

Pelicans will eat whatever they can get their beaks on.

 

[aart]

Pelicans will eat whatever they can get their beaks on.

WOAH!!! I didn't know that!

 

[bobbi-j]

A pelican???? I've gotta be honest here - I'd love to see a video of that, because the picture in my mind is fascinating

 

[aart]

Pelicans will eat whatever they can get their beaks on.

A pelican???? I've gotta be honest here - I'd love to see a video of that, because the picture in my mind is fascinating

@bobbi-j Didn't you see the vids posted?

 

[happyfrenchman]

Pelicans eat lots of things you wouldn't expect.... were they at least smaller hens?

 

[Rickovo]

Thankfully not a problem.we have here. Foxes yes, pellicans no. Midlands UK

 

[bobbi-j]

@bobbi-j Didn't you see the vids posted?

I did, but neither of them showed a pelican "swooping down" to try to catch something. I just think that huge bill would get in the way! Obviously, it didn't....

 

[aart]

Quote: Oh, sorry...I'm convinced just from the vids.