Unsecure chicken perches

[Ed Picaloon C Boodle]

Hiya

 

We live in Devon and today sore a 5 cm Hornet flying around the garden. It trapped itself in the conservatory, and we have left it there. None of us risk its temper!

How much of a risk is a Hornet to chickens and my cat?

If there is one, will more follow, and has any one else seen one?

There have been increased sightings of them in England, so i am worried that it could of been the cause of death of one of hens two weeks ago.

 

 

Many thanks for your help

[Roobaloo]

Hornets are the same as wasps...they will only attack if provoked. The problem is that they've received bad press because of their size. Many people stumble upon their nests without realising.

 

Remember that like wasps, the worker hornets will be sealed out the nest in late summer/early autumn and left to starve to death. This is when they're most likely to come into contact with humans as they are hungry and desperate...and love our sweet sugary food.

 

They are unlikely to cause your chickens any trouble...but your cat may be at risk if it attempts to hunt it.

 

Get a pint glass and a think piece of card...when it lands, place the glass over it and slide the paper under to contain it...then just release it outside.

 

Avoid swatting it unless you are 100% sure you can kill it...

 

Keep your movements slow and steady as rapid airflow causes it to feel threatened...make sure you wear secure clothing with no gaping sleeves...and if it does fly near you...STAY STILL AND HOLD YOUR BREATH as many insects are attracted to it (hence why they often fly into your face!!)

 

As long as you don't have allergies to stings, you have nothing to fear!!

[Ed Picaloon C Boodle]

Hi

 

Thanks for your reply, you have really made me feel loads better

 

Unfortunately it got it self caught in a cobweb and was obviously very distressed. We decided it was best to put it out of its misery.

Our cat will be a problem though, she loves chasing insects!

 

How rare is a sighting like this?

 

thanks for your help!

[Cinnamon]

We usually see a few each year - they scare the pants off of me

[Roobaloo]

Definitely for the best, if it got out, chances are it would've been very distressed and maybe a bit annoyed (and rightly so!)

 

My cats are just as bad...though, house flies? not interested...things that sting? Good sport!

 

I haven't seen a hornet for a number of years, their numbers are in decline mainly because of public reaction and people burning nests (because of the misconception that they are highly aggressive and attack at will...which causes fear and over-reaction leading to more cases of stings than if people ignored them! ).

 

Keep an eye out for them, you may have a local nest...but just treat them as normal wasps - if you find a nest, keep away and contact a local removal service. Though, on the whole, providing the nest isn't somewhere inconvenient (e.g. in your house or chicken run) or somewhere children may get too close, I would leave them in peace as they prey on other insects!!

[Ed Picaloon C Boodle]

No idea where the nest is though....

 

This is the first one i have ever seen, so kinda exciting

 

They may be scary but people should not burn their nests that's just cruel.

 

Thanks for the tops and advice, we may need them in the future if we do have a nest near bye.

 

Thanks

 

Ed