Scrub Jays vs. Chicks: A lesson learned the hard way

[FarmDreams]

Hi everyone!

After 2010's acquired chicks all turned out to be roos, we took a break from backyard chickens and just started getting new ones again a few weeks ago. So I had 3 lovely little chicks: a golden leghorn, a brown one and a New Hampshire red. I let them free range during a very warm day last week, always staying close by. Now 3 days ago, I went inside for just a while, being sure that they would be ok. I figured the only potential danger in an urban backyard could be cats - which I know are not around. Boy, was I ever so wrong! As I came back out all of my chicks were dead!! Something had attacked them and went straight for their heads! I was in shock and certain it must have been a cat after all.
Well, play forward to today, I had my new brood free ranging just for a little while...me sitting right there with them. All of the sudden the scrub jay that frequents our backyard came and sat on the lowest branch close by and kept looking at the chicks and me. I was surprised but still didn't make much of it. I then put the chicks in the coop and went to pick up my son. When we returned, I was stunned to find the scrub jay literally hanging on the wire of the coop door and trying to pick at the chicks inside. Obviously they were in distress! I got suspicious and started goggling the possibility of the scrub jay having killed my chicks and was shocked and saddened to find out, that this is not an uncommon occurrence. Eeeks! I am still very much a newbie to the whole backyard chicken thing, so I had NO IDEA! I always liked that particular bird...who would have guessed he would go after my chicks! Wow!

I know this is probably nothing new to most of you, but just wanted to share in case other newbies are reading and so hopefully can be warned to keep an eye out for the jays!

Question: Do you think once the chicks are fully grown, they will be safe free ranging?

These are our new babies: Diamond, Cinnamon & Lavender

 

[Aeropennchick]

Hello!

Your chicks are adorable! I am so sorry to hear about what happened to your other little ones.

I haven't read on here about anyone having trouble with jays, but I know they are MEAN! They bully all of the smaller birds away from the bird feeders we have, and my aunt has a story that became infamous in our family - a jay built a nest in a tree in the corner of her yard, and her old black lab was out sniffing around. She hears this yelping, and goes out to find the jay mercilessly attacking the dog all the way back to the house! Poor Cleo had several puncture wounds in her head.

So...I can't say I'm surprised. Maybe they are nesting on your property? I would think adult chickens would be safe, but then again...

 

[Sunnysimplelife]

I have a Jay in a tree in my yard and it is often coming down low in our yard when the chicks are out. I keep our Chihuahua out with us as she chases the bird if it comes near the yard or chicks. I will have to remember this for the future though. The tree is getting a major trim back and I am sure the nest if there is one will be a gonner so I hope the jay leaves.

 

[Indigosands]

What a horrific time you've had! Glad to hear you figured it out before any more little chicks were harmed. Jays can be very persistent and they are SMART. We have a similar mockingbird situation here, we have one that actually blinded my old tom-cat in one eye with his merciless attacks. My dh has tried to get him with a pellet gun but no luck yet. If they can attack and maim a cat I'm not shocked they'd kill a chick if they felt threatened. I agree with pp that if there is a nest you are aware of it needs to be knocked down.

 

[A.T. Hagan]

Babies, any kinds of babies, are easy eats in the wild which is why in many species the babie's parents are fiercely protective. Any time you expose babies of any sort to the wild you had best be keeping a very careful eye on them if you want to keep them.

Whether your grown birds will be safe to free range depends a lot on your local threats. A domestic chicken is an easy meal for a fox, coyote, and many other sorts of predators. Quite possibly for your own, your neighbor's, or a stray dog as well.

You'll want to investigate this carefully.

 

[Sunnysimplelife]

Oh gosh we have mockingbirds too. They battle with the scrub jays. Unless I am out back our chickens are in a covered day run I move around the yard so they should be safe in there. It is covered in chicken wire.

 

[calliexw]

That is so sad, how old were the chicks?