A couple weeks ago I had a raptor attack. I just happened to be next to a window when I noticed everybody scattering; ducks running under the Tahoe and chickens in the process of flying under the azeala bushes up by the house. I realized, as my mind was still trying to process what I was seeing, that there was a raptor among the chickens. As I ran down the steps, it started 'back flapping' (yep, totally made that up) and swooped up and away. All chickens and ducks were accounted for, one RIR was in the coop and seemed kind of shell shocked for a few minutes. I found a collection of down-like grey feathers in an area near my fence. It had to have come from either my two SLWs or my two CWs, as they are the only ones with feathers along their vent/stomach areas that color. None of them showed any sign of injury.
So, I had seen what I thought was a raptor for a couple days prior to this and my other half tried to convince me it was just a buzzard. Given that his eyesight is much better than mine, I took his word for it. Well, at eye level, in active attack mode, at about 10 paces; I now know I was right.
Today I noticed the chickens under a butterfly bush and the WHs nowhere to be seen (they were under my truck), went outside and looked up. Sure enough he/she was casing the joint again. I ran in to grab my phone for a pic and by the time I got back out it was gone and all the animals came out from their hiding spots.
I keep the chicken run open (10'x16'), they have a 24'x36' carport area, multiple butterfly bushes, azeala bushes, and a deck they can take cover under. I understand that when you free range chickens, the risk of losing some to predators is real, I accept that. I guess I was figuring that with them only free ranging in the day and having the entire acre they have to range being either 2"x4"x4' welded wire or 6' tall privacy fencing, I mainly only had to worry about dogs breaking in. Can a Red Tailed Hawk take a full sized LF chicken or WH duck?
Thank you in advance to any input, I really appreciate it. Even if I'm not always able to get back right away and respond due to keeping up with my almost two y.o. and my three y.o. boys, I do read every comment.
So, I had seen what I thought was a raptor for a couple days prior to this and my other half tried to convince me it was just a buzzard. Given that his eyesight is much better than mine, I took his word for it. Well, at eye level, in active attack mode, at about 10 paces; I now know I was right.
Today I noticed the chickens under a butterfly bush and the WHs nowhere to be seen (they were under my truck), went outside and looked up. Sure enough he/she was casing the joint again. I ran in to grab my phone for a pic and by the time I got back out it was gone and all the animals came out from their hiding spots.
I keep the chicken run open (10'x16'), they have a 24'x36' carport area, multiple butterfly bushes, azeala bushes, and a deck they can take cover under. I understand that when you free range chickens, the risk of losing some to predators is real, I accept that. I guess I was figuring that with them only free ranging in the day and having the entire acre they have to range being either 2"x4"x4' welded wire or 6' tall privacy fencing, I mainly only had to worry about dogs breaking in. Can a Red Tailed Hawk take a full sized LF chicken or WH duck?
Thank you in advance to any input, I really appreciate it. Even if I'm not always able to get back right away and respond due to keeping up with my almost two y.o. and my three y.o. boys, I do read every comment.
