QUESTION ON this bird?

[annie3001]

hello.
first time i have ever seen a turkey vulcher? it flew over head my yard. my brother in law said thats what it was. not a hawk. anybody encounter problems with a turkey vulcher? do they make noise, so i know they are near? should i not free range my chickens? my chickens are only let out of their run when i am home. i tried google for more info and didnt find much. thanks again!


andrea

 

[OutInTheStiks]

Turkey vultures are scavengers. I wouldn't think they would pose a risk.

 

[dawg53]

They are only seeking carrion, I wouldnt worry too much about them.

 

[33yardbirds]

My chickens pay them no mind. But a Big Red Tail Hawk will send them under cover.

 

[farmgirlie1031]

They won't bother them. We have a ton here as the area is a breeding area for them. They sometimes fly over and have a look but they never land here as there is nothing for them to eat here. They like fresh dead animals so they are often seen along the side of the road eating road kill.

 

[swordgeek]

We have them overhead pretty often. They circle. Often in groups. I've never heard a sound out of one. Ugly buggers up close, but beautiful on the wing. They're easy to ID from below - note the v-shaped coloring, and finger-like wing feathers. They've never bothered our birds, and as scavengers, I'm glad to see them eating something ELSE in the woods... preferably before something more predatory comes around. Here's a nice little pic I found of them a year or so ago...

 

[atimme]

No threat to your birds, they already know if they don't run for cover. Feel thankful you have a clean up crew in the area! No more stinky dead animals!