Why Do They Kill Birds?

[brownie59]

this actually just happened today with my girls, they went after a sparrow. poor thing tried to get away but didn't make it.

 

[thecrazychickenlady]

My backyard has become overrun with wild birds since they flock to eat the chickens' leftovers. My sweetest hen kills the wild birds and runs away (probably to eat them- she does the specific run with the bird between her beak). The others leave the birds alone but do chase after her when she has the bird. Any ideas on how to prevent this? I don't want her to catch any worms or diseases.

 

[aart]

Any ideas on how to prevent this? I don't want her to catch any worms or diseases.

Keep the feeder where the wild birds can't get at it.
You might look into a treadle feeder.
Put smaller mesh over your run so wild birds can't get in.

Lice and mites are the most likely thing those wild birds will bring,
I'd check your birds carefully for them now and treat if they are present.



Bugs check
Have you checked them over real well for mites and/or lice?

Google images of lice/mites and their eggs before the inspection so you'll know what you're looking for.

Part the feathers right down to the skin around vent, head/neck and under wings.

Best done well after dark with a strong flashlight/headlight, easier to 'catch' bird and also to check for the mites that live in structure and only come out at night to feed off roosting birds.

Wipe a white paper towel along the underside of roost to look for red smears(smashed well fed mites).