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What got my chicken?

Discussion in 'Predators and Pests' started by wberry85, Sep 23, 2011.

Most Liked Posts
  1. Sep 23, 2011 #1
    wberry85

    wberry85 In the Brooder

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    Feb 21, 2011
    Milton, GA
    Found one of my hens still alive out in the road in front of my house. She was blind (I could not tell but it looked like she had no eyes left) and there was a large hole in her chest about 5-6 in in diameter and tissue had been picked at/eaten. I was outside for a long time and all of a sudden I just saw her flapping and screaming in the road.

    I suspect a hawk, but any other ideas? Need to know what kind of shot to load in the 20 guage! [​IMG]
     
    Last edited: Sep 23, 2011

  4. Sep 23, 2011 #2
    so lucky

    so lucky Songster

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    Jan 31, 2011
    SE Missouri
    I suppose a hawk or owl might start with the eyes. Wouldn't think a mammal would eat the eyes first...I am very sorry and distressed by your loss. I hope you put the poor girl out of her misery if she didn't die immediately. How horrible! Maybe someone else has some ideas.
     
  6. Sep 24, 2011 #3
    Agdketo

    Agdketo In the Brooder

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    Sep 14, 2009
    Aledo, Illinois
    Probably a red tailed hawk, commonly called chicken hawks. Check your state laws before you shoot any hawks. They're all protected anyways.
     
  8. Sep 24, 2011 #4
    Cockadoodledon't

    Cockadoodledon't Songster

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    Sep 24, 2009
    Hillbilly from West Vir-ginny
    Probably a hawk.
    Most likely when the hawk grabbed the bird it was by the head and the talons got the eyes.
    I would suggest number 4 or number 5 shot for the 20 gauge. Remember to lead the hawk a bit... :eek:)


    Quote:
     
  10. Sep 24, 2011 #5
    chickened

    chickened Crowing

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    Oct 2, 2010
    western Oregon
    12 guage full choke #4 works great.
    Quote:
     
  12. Sep 24, 2011 #6
    Ole rooster

    Ole rooster Songster

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    Jun 25, 2011
    Milner, Georgia
    Nothing on my place is protected when they're trying to kill my chickens. That is except my chickens. I see to that. My dog just got another possum this morning. He wasn't protected either.
     
  14. Sep 24, 2011 #7
    mrpekinduck

    mrpekinduck Songster

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    Jun 29, 2011
    Ducky Land!
    Red tailed hawk is my guess and sorry about your hen.
     

  17. Sep 24, 2011 #8
    mandelyn

    mandelyn Crowing

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    Aug 30, 2009
    Mt Repose, OH
    My Coop
    Likely a hawk. Remember that shooting them without a permit can carry a jail sentence and a hefty fine.
     

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