There were literally 15-20 Turkey Vultures circling our chicken pen...

[imaturtlefan]

I just read through most of this thread, Im not convinced that a turkey vulture wont kill a chicken. I know someone who had a bunch of turkeys in a pen, and vultures came and bit the turkeys heads off as they stuck them through the fence... anyway, I also know they are supposed to be social, and people on here have mentioned them just hanging out around the chickens for food and because of being social, however, I have one that has been low flying over my house for a bout a week. (wow longest run on sentence ever, maybe) Anyway, this morning went out and chickens were all hiding under the coop, and the vulture was in a tree, about 20 ft away on a low branch watching them...it saw me come out and flew away. It is a turkey vulture, and its been alone, everytime Ive seen it, including today...I think its thinking "chicken" none of mine are sick, and there are no chicks outside... but Im certain its looking for a free meal!

 

[YYZ]

Quote:
That must have been a flashback from that old old movie " The Birds" Alfred Hitchcok. Spooky.

 

[epeloquin]

We have Turkey Vultures here in Western Massahusetts. They ARE huge (6+ ft. wingspan) but they won't attack anything alive. They have a highly developed sense of smell that can detect the odor of decay very soon after an animal dies. It is interesting as to why they would circle like that though. I tend to agree that they probably saw the girls feeding and were curious which would likely attract more vultures. Kind of like when you stand there and just look up, anyone who sees you looks up too. I'll ask around some of the farmers in our area...interesting. I still agree that the gals were safe though.

 

[YYZ]

So a turkey vulture would never ear like a mouse thats allready dead.? I never knew that.

Ive actually tried looking up in the sky just to see if others would. and it is true...People will also look up !