Weka question

[Chooksprc]

Hullo all. I'm about to adopt a 7 year old chook in need.. I will pen her for a few days then plan to free range her.. Will the surrounding weka, attack her? I'm quite concerned.. Thank you for any help here

 

[Jener8or]

Hello! I don't have any experience with weka! You could ask in the New Zealand thread.

Are you planning on getting her any friends? She would probably be happiest with some friends.

Thanks for joining! Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

 

[Chooksprc]

Hello! I don't have any experience with weka! You could ask in the New Zealand thread.

Are you planning on getting her any friends? She would probably be happiest with some friends.

Thanks for joining! Welcome to BackYard Chickens!

Thank you.. I may get one more.. I'll try new zealand thread

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Here's what I found:

They (weka) are omnivorous, with a diet comprising 30% animal foods and 70% plant foods. Animal foods include earthworms, larvae, beetles, wētā, ants, grass grubs, slugs, snails, insect eggs, slaters, frogs, spiders, rats, mice, and small birds. Stewart Island weka.

Sounds like they probably would not try to eat a chicken. But, if it were me, I would get the chicken some friends. Chickens are flock animals and she would be safer in a flock instead of alone.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Does NZ already have chickens?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Does NZ already have chickens?

Lol, answering myself: yes!

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

 

[N F C]

Hi, I'd never heard of a weka so had to look it up. Here's a link if anyone else is interested: https://blog.forestandbird.org.nz/10-incredible-facts-about-weka-to-impress-your-mates-with/

It doesn't sound as though they would be a threat to chickens but you can verify that on the NZ thread @Jener8or provided the link for.

Best wishes!

 

[chrissynemetz]

Welcome to BYC! We're glad you decided to join us! Make yourself at home here!