Uh oh !!!!

[burchy]

I’ve got 4-8 week old pullets and I’ve been letting them out an hour before sunset to let em free range. They stay very close to their coop. All of the sudden everyone darts to the safety of their coop. I look around and spot this beauty sitting no more than 6 feet from my golf cart on a low limb. He sat there letting me photograph him before he finally flewaway. I never heard him come in.

 

[cavemanrich]

Owls fly in silence. Yes,, they are a predator,, but they seek out easiest meal possible. Nor sure if he was eyeing your chicks,, or a mouse running around. They swallow the prey, and regurgitate the bones later.
I'm not an expert on owls,, but that is my understanding of their eating habits.
I also do understand,,, that they need to tear small bits of meat to feed their young,, That is where a larger chick would become a potential prey..
Keep your flock safe

WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[Denisea3465]

Wow that is a gorgeous picture!

But yes, I would definitely worry. Good thing you were there to protect your girls! It is always amazing to me that their instincts kick in even when they might not have had an adult hen raising them to teach them. I would definitely keep a good watch on them until they are bigger.

Such a beautiful owl, though!

 

[Callender Girl]

It's fortunate that your babies instinctually knew enough to flee and that all were safe. Having poultry has made me reconsider how I think about owls and eagles; I liked both much more before they became lethal threats to my critters.

When nearby nesting eagles pass over, my geese are usually the first to sound the alarm, and everyone seeks shelter. A juvenile great horned owl was apparently looking for a duck dinner a couple of years ago, struck a guy wire as he was attacking and knocked himself silly. However, by the time a DNR officer could come get the owl, it had recovered enough to glare at both of us and display some truly scary talons.

Hope your babies continue to stay safe, and thanks for cool photos of the owl. Owls really are very cool critters -- as long as they aren't threatening my babies!!

 

[BelovedBirds]

I’ve got 4-8 week old pullets and I’ve been letting them out an hour before sunset to let em free range. They stay very close to their coop. All of the sudden everyone darts to the safety of their coop. I look around and spot this beauty sitting no more than 6 feet from my golf cart on a low limb. He sat there letting me photograph him before he finally flewaway. I never heard him come in.

what a beauty! They're silent when in flight which is what makes them such good hunters. Owls aren't out during the daytime, any chance you could bring free ranging back and let them out earlier in the day? Perhaps under supervision?
Good job they knew to hide! Clever babies.

 

[littlecoopnextdoor]

Wow what a beautiful owl. Make sure your chicks are in a secure place until they're bigger. I imagine the owl would go for a mouse over something that they might not be able to reliably grab.

 

[burchy]

My two acres are full of wildlife because I don’t pose a threat to em. I never let anyone mess with em neither cause I enjoy having them there. I have rabbits, owls, hawks, gopher turtles, squirrels and a slew of different kinds of birds. The turtles will come right right in my garage looking for watermelon ( they love it )
My coop and run are pretty predator proof.

 

[Lor]

Glad to hear the chicks scattered and none were harmed.
Great picture of that owl!

 

[burchy]

what a beauty! They're silent when in flight which is what makes them such good hunters. Owls aren't out during the daytime, any chance you could bring free ranging back and let them out earlier in the day? Perhaps under supervision?
Good job they knew to hide! Clever babies.

Yea, I’m gonna change their free ranging to an earlier time.

 

[McChooky]

I’ve got 4-8 week old pullets and I’ve been letting them out an hour before sunset to let em free range. They stay very close to their coop. All of the sudden everyone darts to the safety of their coop. I look around and spot this beauty sitting no more than 6 feet from my golf cart on a low limb. He sat there letting me photograph him before he finally flewaway. I never heard him come in.

It wasn't posing for National Geographic ,it was looking for a snack. Better keep a close out eye out because it'll be back.