Patricia W Posted April 2, 2009 Share Posted April 2, 2009 This morning the chickens were bok-bok- boking for at least half an hour - very loudly (they free range all day every day) which is unusual. I went out to them several times and they quietened down but started again when I went in. I thought it was simply egg-announcing as there were 2 eggs about an hour later. But this afternoon a neighbour came over and asked if I'd seen the red kite circling overhead. We worked out it was about the time the chickens appeared unsettled. Coincidence?? Anyone had any experience of red kites? We are south of Oxford and they are moving up from the Chilterns. Absolutely beautiful birds. When I googled them it says they prefer carrion but do catch small animals and birds.... Should I worry?? Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mags Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 I think I heared that chicks can get taken by red Kites. My friend up in the Orkney's had problems with birds of prey with them taking her chicks . Not sure about adult birds would think unlikely unless small breeds Mags Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 3, 2009 Author Share Posted April 3, 2009 they are bantams - one is a cockerel though and bigger, and he'll defend his girls. I've been prepared for fox attack - but not being got at from the skies!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Henhathnofury Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Red Kites take carrion, not live animals. A chicken would be too big, too much hassle. But it doesn't hurt to hang up a few CDs - it apparently reflects up like a giant eye to circling birds. We have a red kite regularly circling and although I do get a little nervous (can't help it) he has never come close. There is plenty of 'dead meat' out there... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 I found this on teh countryside alliance for ireland site. The questions were asked around the reintroduction of red kites to ireland... "Is the red kite a threat to livestock, game birds or other wildlife? The red kite is a scavenger, taking a wide range of animal food items including invertebrates, mammals and birds. This broad diet allows the species to occupy a wide range of habitats. Live prey, such as small mammals and medium sized birds (e.g. crows and pigeons) can be important in late spring, and rabbits continue to be taken through until the autumn. Many studies have demonstrated that rabbit is the most important mammalian prey item. Active hunting of mammals is very unusual. Earthworms and beetles are exploited, particularly outside the breeding season. Waste from refuse tips is taken in late autumn and winter, and sheep carrion in upland areas taken during its peak availability between February and April. The red kite is not designed to feed on mobile prey and is absolutely no threat to livestock or game birds. It is also no threat to songbirds like the yellowhammer or song thrush; it does not depredate these species in other part of Europe where they are abundant." You could always contact the people at gigrin farm who were one of the original sites. Nice people as well... http://www.gigrin.co.uk/ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Only if they are already dead - as the others have said, they are carrion feeders, not hunters. Hens will be naturally scared of anything flying overhead - it's just instinct; mine cower when we get hot air balloons going over! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 3, 2009 Author Share Posted April 3, 2009 Thank you all for this. I'm much relieved - and will get some CD's dotted around just in case - and continue to enjoy the sight of red kites soaring! Tricia Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ted Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 Only if they are already dead - as the others have said, they are carrion feeders, not hunters. Hens will be naturally scared of anything flying overhead - it's just instinct; mine cower when we get hot air balloons going over! mine cower at blackbirds!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Valkyrie Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 The red kite that I saw a couple of weeks back only made the girls dash for cover, when it came back another time they didn't worry at all. I haven't seen it since, but the buzzards are back again. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 3, 2009 Share Posted April 3, 2009 I haven't seen it since, but the buzzards are back again. Now they are more of a worry, big beggars too! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AnnaD Posted August 24, 2020 Share Posted August 24, 2020 A red kite came and killed one of my pet chickens today. Always thought this was unlikely to happen. The kite has been present in the area for a few months. The kite got caught up trying to escape from underneath the apple tree before fleeing. All chickens were absolutely petrified and one had a broken neck and the kite had begun to eat her. Just thought i'd post this to make others aware. RIP Snowflake Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stag1162 Posted November 7, 2021 Share Posted November 7, 2021 Just to say a few years back on a visit to a local Zoo i see a kite swoop down and take a live meercat away , nice as you like Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
