clucker1 Posted April 29, 2012 Share Posted April 29, 2012 We have buzzards and sparrowhawks that occasionally fly over our garden and around it. There is always a great commotion with the other smaller birds as they swoop and dive for cover. When the buzzards are around, if the chickens are out, I rush out to put the chickens ack in their wir. Am I worrying unnecessarily? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
AlisonH Posted April 29, 2012 Share Posted April 29, 2012 I had this problem, but with a swift manoeuver of the washing line and climbing frame I broke the flight path and don't seem to have the problem as much. The sparrow hawk occasionally makes an appearance but just seems to have a look. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Patricia W Posted April 29, 2012 Share Posted April 29, 2012 I don't worry about my ex-bats and larger Polish but I do keep my teeny bantams locked up. We have a sparrow hawk which loves pigeons. I'm not so worried about the red kite - plenty of road kill from the A34! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
scubababe Posted April 29, 2012 Share Posted April 29, 2012 My cats have brought home a sparrow hawk before now. That one won't be bothering my ladies anymore Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Leeloo Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 If the bird was large enough and the chicken small enough, it could happen. Most of the hawks in my neighborhood are fairly small and the chickens are really good at paying attention to the alarm cries of the songbirds. When they are alerted to the presence of a BOP, they take cover, freeze, and emit this weird trilling noise until it's gone. I think the hawks are probably looking for smaller creatures like doves, mice, and small rabbits. A hawk flew over the yard late last Sunday afternoon while I was outside. The next day, I was in the house and letting the chickens forage when I heard a squawk and a ground predator alarm cry. I thought for sure the hawk was back and decided to attack. I went out to check and one of my hens had gotten blown into the swimming pool while the other one stood there bawking! I guess that explains why it was a ground predator alert! I scooped her out and she looked really embarrassed and irritated for the rest of the evening! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Dogmother Posted April 30, 2012 Share Posted April 30, 2012 A sparrow hawk might but buzzards and red kites only feed on carrion, although red kites are becoming very bold now. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
