Egluntyne Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 My neighbour tells me that she has had a sparrowhawk in her garden....in urban Sheffield ......and it has been observed feasting on small birds. Oh heck. I think my girls would give a pretty good account of themselves, but it is something else to worry about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Frugal Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 My beloved Clarry sent one packing a couple of years ago! The sparrowhawk couldn't get away fast enough when she flew at it with her head down and wings out. Sparrowhawks are no threat to hens - especially a disgruntled one Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 15, 2008 Author Share Posted October 15, 2008 Thanks for that Kate. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted October 15, 2008 Share Posted October 15, 2008 My Swedish friend isn't allowed to keep chickens because her hubby told her that the sparrow hawks would get them (he has pigeons and they take them, but as I pointed out, they take them when they are flying around, something chickens aren't particularly proficient at!0 We have lots of red kite here and they are seriously big birds! They fly over the garden quite low and the first time the girls were out and saw the shadow over the grass, they scarpered into the undergrowth! Perhaps you should paint your girls green so they are camouflaged! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I wouldn't worry about the red kites Diane - they only go for carrion... mostly road kills, dead rabbits etc. Lovely birds though - Phil's folks live on a farm right on top of the Chiltern Hills, and you can see the kites wheeling around below you - they sometimes land in the next field... stunning birds. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lydia Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 I have both red kites and a regular sparrow hawk who visit. The bluetits and and wagtails look a bit worried but the girls are fine and it never dares land if they are out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 My next door neighbour saw (I think?) a sparrowhawk. Maybe it was the same one? Just had cats here, one on the roof sunning itself watching the chickens while the chickens were at that end of the run watching back. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lewis Posted October 16, 2008 Share Posted October 16, 2008 What a conincidence!! I saw a sparrowhawk in our garden today for the first time ever, and it was eating a wood pigeon! It was nearly as big as the hawk! I went right up to the patio doors, about 6 foot away from it, and it wasn't bothered at all. It stayed for about 1/2 an hour, and then left. I quickly went and checked on the chickens, and put them away for thie night, I took a couple of photos aswell, but they have a dead pigeon on, so people might get a bit offended! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Omletina Kyckling Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 I wouldn't worry about the red kites Diane - they only go for carrion... mostly road kills, dead rabbits etc. Lovely birds though - Phil's folks live on a farm right on top of the Chiltern Hills, and you can see the kites wheeling around below you - they sometimes land in the next field... stunning birds. Hi Claret, thanks - I know they won't take the girls, but "Ooops, word censored!"ody told them that so they still scarper!! I feel really honoured to have the kites as our neighbours....this summer there were about 8 of them in the trees opposite the house and they were a treat to watch on the few summer days we had, all circling around. I get really upset when the crows chase them away and try to attack them Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chooklady Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Sparrow Hawks and Kites are no threat to chickens. A Sparrow Hawk wouldn't weigh very much at all compared t a decent sized chicken of 4 lb or so and as it's been said chickens don't fly very well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chocchick Posted October 17, 2008 Share Posted October 17, 2008 Hi Claret, thanks - I know they won't take the girls, but "Ooops, word censored!"ody told them that so they still scarper!! Megan is still spooked by small garden birds like starlings The chickens all freeze to the spot if the wood pigeon is roosting in the tree. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted October 17, 2008 Author Share Posted October 17, 2008 It was spotted eating a wood pigeon today. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
