Hi we lost our first chicken yesterday during the day sometime she was one of four and the smallest one there were some feathers scattered around and blood on the cement but she was nowhere to be found we have several hawks that fly around our house and sometimes the perch on the trees above the house as well thinking that is what got her what are your thoughts?
Thanks! It's so sad scared we will loose another one being more careful about letting them out until they are full size chickens
Sorry to hear. We just had the same circumstances. All we found was a pile of feathers also. Our pullets were 6 weeks. I left them free range alone for about an hour and wham, roost time count was one short. Live and learn. And I just culled our roo 2 days ago. Go figure. I suspect neighborhood cat.
The best way to prevent loss due to hawks is to have the birds in an enclosed run with cover. My friend almost lost her silkie hen the other day. She & Little Girl were out in the back yard - when all of a sudden she hears Girl screaming. She looked over and a hawk had it's talons out and was about to grab her. She started yelling and trying to shoo the hawk away while Girl ran between her legs and hid behind her. She didn't believe a hawk would come near humans. Well it's days later and Girl refuses to go outside. She said when she asks if she wants to go out, the hen just shakes.
In the past 2 days we lost 2 Frizzles,smallest in the flock, to a hawk. I suprised him in the wooded area nex to the run but itwas too late. Next day the frizzle hen was misssing. I'm guessing that the rest are safe due to their size. On a brighter note wife says I can get 2 replacements!! Circle of life sux but its the way of the land.
Welcome to the BYC flock! We are glad you joined us! It may be hard to exactly determine what may have taken your chicken. There are so many opportunistic predators out there and they all seem to love chicken.
Thanks everyone for your input it happened when they were free ranging so we are now not letting them out until we get home from work at least until they are full grown! My husband and both leave super early in the morning and it's suppose to be in the 80's on friday here and there coop is in the direct sun of course there is some shade but still hot u guys think we should open the coop at 5 in the morning friday so they don't over heat and risk one of them getting taken or just leave them in the coop/run?
