Just wondered if any other fellow BYCers in the UK have ever had trouble with kites or buzzards taking chickens?
I know they mostly feed on carrion but will take small birds or mammals if they need to. We have a lot of them around here, and my flock free ranges, but I have only ever had one chicken disappear on me in 15 years, and even then I am not sure if it was a predator or she just wandered off on her own!
My cockerel is a good lookout and they all shelter under trees when birds of prey are circling overhead. I do worry a little, especially my wacko polish who can't see anything not in front of their beak. But not enough to coop them up very day.
What are your experiences?
I know they mostly feed on carrion but will take small birds or mammals if they need to. We have a lot of them around here, and my flock free ranges, but I have only ever had one chicken disappear on me in 15 years, and even then I am not sure if it was a predator or she just wandered off on her own!
My cockerel is a good lookout and they all shelter under trees when birds of prey are circling overhead. I do worry a little, especially my wacko polish who can't see anything not in front of their beak. But not enough to coop them up very day.
What are your experiences?