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

[CluckyJay]

http://reddirtroad.net/naturenotes/wp-content/uploads/2010/11/Examiner-black-vs-turkey-wikimedia-commons.jpg

Turkey and black vultures.

 

[LeezyBeezy]

I haven't read the whole post, but vultures are very social creatures. We used to have huge flocks of them circle at certain times of the day, riding the thermals. You can often see them following a certain "path", meaning their range or territory. The also like to sit in groups in trees and on barns etc. to warm themselves in the sun. Maybe breeding season is starting soon?? Which might explain the large gathering.

 

[hennyannie]

they'reHISchickens :

THere was a local email talking about Black Vultures in a group systematically attacking newborn animals- like a calf. Never heard of this before, though. Maybe we should research Black Vultures?

I think you should identify what type of vulture you have. Check this out: http://www.raptorcenter.org/black-vulture.asp

We had this happen on our farm. They were eating a calf that I hope was still born and then went after the twin to it that lived.When we arrived with a gun however they hightailed it and we didn't see them for a long time. They had been shot at before I believe.​

 

[deerman]

Quote:
We had this happen on our farm. They were eating a calf that I hope was still born and then went after the twin to it that lived.When we arrived with a gun however they hightailed it and we didn't see them for a long time. They had been shot at before I believe.

Yes this will happen with black vulture...........but not Turkey vultures...they would fly off if a mouse moved.

 

[ChickenAlgebra]

Turkey vultures aren't going to attack living animals. MAYBE a very weak young animal, but really, they just don't.

I don't mind them actually, other than they are stinky. They are around, we have fewer hawks around.

 

[mamabahre]

hmm I had no idea they were so social..I've only ever seen 1 or 2 riding the thermals way up high..
Haven't seen them around, maybe there was a dead critter nearby I didn't no know about..Yuck...

Anyway I am far more concerned about red tailed hawks as there are a ton of them here on Cape...That and the fact that DH saw a decent sized coyote in our yard last night walking our pooch...Not that I think a coyote would break into our very secure coop but still those things are shifty

 

[luvmychixandducks]

I've reported this before, but turkey vultures definitely will kill and eat young chicks.
Had 12 recently out of the brooder and in a pen without a top- and in just a few minutes
two turkey vultures killed 11 of the 12, and dropped the last chick on the outside of the pen, where it was found wandering and returned.
Shredded tweet- nothing but feet and feathers left.

:

 

[deerman]

Quote:
Sure they where not blacks vulture........look alot alike.....

 

[Dobela]

Last fall I had about 50 vultures show up in one day, all together, in my pasture. And yes, I counted them. I lost count at 50. They were on the fence posts, the buildings... It was creepy and reminded me of the Hitchcock movie Birds. Later I discovered that my dh had thrown out food from the fridge that morning that included chicken, spaghetti meat, and old BBQ pork. Since the goats didn't eat that, I guess the vultures considered it a lovely buffet. Since then we have been much more careful about which leftovers we throw out.

 

[Chainsaw385]

Quote:
had to laugh at this..........it's true but just the way it's worded is funny

they do serve a purpose even though they are disgusting and smell real bad.....and of course lazy