KC Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 Hi everyone, do hawks and other birds of prey pose a threat to chickens? There are one or two reasonable sized hawks in our part of Sheffield. I'm wondering if I can leave my 2 chickens free ranging with minimal supervision or whether they'll need a human scarecrow! Any ideas? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahbowyer Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 No - almost all birds of prey are harmless to chickens unless the chickens are already dead (they're carrion eaters). The one exception is the eagle owl, which is now roving in areas of Scotland and northern England thanks to a very successful captive breeding programme. However, they're still very rare and unlikely to attack hens in your back garden. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aunty e Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 Although the way mine run for cover every time a pigeon flies over, you'd think that golden eagles lurked round every corner. I was amused to see Bob run at one that dared to land in HER garden though. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KC Posted February 28, 2006 Author Share Posted February 28, 2006 That's good to know ! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lesley-Jean Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 Although the way mine run for cover every time a pigeon flies over, you'd think that golden eagles lurked round every corner. I was amused to see Bob run at one that dared to land in HER garden though. There are eagles flying over my garden I think they are aeroplanes but my chooks assure me they are eagles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted February 28, 2006 Share Posted February 28, 2006 I have noticed a kestrel/hawk around my house for the past few days, & it has been flying really low & perching near the house. Then today I notice it perch on my neighbours fence & he walked up to it.It flew away when he was real close,so we reckon its a tame one that has escaped. He is very,very beautiful but its a bit disconcerting having a bird of prey so obviously used to humans, & we are not sure whom we should contact about his...RSPB or the like? Someone must be missing him,but who do we contact to find out who lost him? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sarahbowyer Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 If you have any experience with "flying" birds of prey, you could try getting him to fly to your hand (if you don't have the right kit, don't risk it - you'll lose a finger or an eye!). If he hangs around humans, he's almost certainly a captive-bred or hand-reared one, in which case someone will be missing him. Talk to your RSPCA people - they will keep all reports of missing birds. He may have escaped from a demonstration, or had an inept owner try to fly him when he was not hungry (they just head for the hills when that happens!). The good thing is that to keep birds of prey you must be registered, so if he belongs to someone, they'll know who he is. Also check for any leather straps or remnants of straps attached to his feet or, if you can get close enough, see whether he's been ringed (small metal ring around one foot). That'll give the RSPCA more to go on. If you're not sure which species he is, I'll try to post a link for photos of hawks. We're getting some strange visitors at the moment because of the unseasonably cold weather. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Cinnamon Posted March 2, 2006 Share Posted March 2, 2006 Thanks sarah I haven't seen him today,but will keep an eye out & try to identify what sort of bird he is. I will give the RSPCA a ring if I see him again. Thanks for your help Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 My friend recently rescued a small young chicken from a bird of prey, apparently her car scared it into dropping the chicken. It was in the countryside in Wales and the chicken is recovering well. I have small hope of adopting her (hopefully not him ) if 1) OH agrees and 2) she could integrate safely Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Whereabouts in Sheffield?? I live on the south side and have not so far had to worry about birds of prey. I expend enough energy trying to keep one step ahead of the fox. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 It was in the countryside in Wales No need to worry Kind of hoping she will move to Sheffield with my friend though Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted September 21, 2006 Share Posted September 21, 2006 Sorry Chocchick... I meant whereabouts is KC located. Found myself looking skywards when I hung some washing out a few moments ago. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
