Would a Hawk rip a chick apart leaving only feathers and the contents of its stomach?

[Mrs Clutterbuck]

Yes it appears my chickens are in trouble. The Hawks and falcons are beautiful to watch but man... Having said that I haven't lost a full grown chicken...yet so maybe they're only after the little ones. Perhaps I should make larger brooder second coop to keep them in until they're full grown.

Just out of interest here's a link containing an image of the big guy and some info, the website also has info on falcons and the owls relative to NZ but still interesting.

http://www.wingspan.co.nz/birds_of_prey_native_new_zealand_swamp_harrier.html

 

[Chic-N-Wisperer]

Are these birds protected in your location? If so the 3 S program works,( SHOOT,SHOVEL,SHUT-UP) A 12ga. 2 3/4 inch no.6 shot should take care of the problem.

 

[Mrs Clutterbuck]

Are these birds protected in your location? If so the 3 S program works,( SHOOT,SHOVEL,SHUT-UP) A 12ga. 2 3/4 inch no.6 shot should take care of the problem.

Hehe! Love it! Well this particular bird has just had the protection order down graded. From what I can tell I can shoot it, I got a shiny new 12 ga. for Christmas and I've been looking for an excuse to use it! I shoot clays, never shot a live bird before although my husband has, but he's usually out when the sneaky visitor comes. I'll probably get in touch with the conservation department and make sure it's ok.

 

[Chic-N-Wisperer]

Ever tried one baked? He's dining on you're chickens,Maybe a little payback is in order.

 

[Mrs Clutterbuck]

Lol! I'd imagine they'd be quite gamey-Maybe with a plum sauce? These birds creep me out...just looking at the pictures when I was researching this gave me the willies!

 

[Chic-N-Wisperer]

It would most likely be gamey like our wild turkey, some people like that,not me. But if its hunting my girls all bets are off. I had a Red Tail Hawk circling over my chicken yard soon after the girls were old enough to go out alone. My wife said, I looked like ET running about waving my arms like a demented windmill. It must have worked the hawk has not been back. But if he does, maybe a pot pie with lots of onion and garlic and carrots will be on the menu.

 

[maxpedley]

Lol! I'd imagine they'd be quite gamey-Maybe with a plum sauce? These birds creep me out...just looking at the pictures when I was researching this gave me the willies!

Carnivores are very greasy, dosen't matter what type. I had a friend in Zambia legally shoot a lion. He then made a pie and apparently it was disgusting!!

 

[Mrs Clutterbuck]

Yikes...Lion, probably great for vitality or something in Chinese medicine. I don't know, I'm probably too much of a wimp! Maybe my husband will he's a seasoned hunter and wild cuisine enthusiast!

 

[Chic-N-Wisperer]

Well then, maybe roasting on a spit over an open fire would work. It must be all, in how you cook it. The Native Americans around here say that Cougar is quite good. Although I have never eaten one, I might have to give it a go when hunting season opens next fall.

 

[maxpedley]

He says when he gets the chance he sticks a bullet in the baboons on his farm. They are a real pest! He has a lot of natives who work for him and they always take the baboons to eat!