Firebloke 0 Posted November 22, 2016 Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 Hi all, Got 18 free range chickens on our farm, recently had a couple killed in the field by what I've been told is possibly a Goshawk? Went down to the shed one afternoon and a large bird took off right in front of me, I thought it was a buzzard or a red kite, as initially on the first one I thought the bird had died and these had come in to feed on a carcass? It Took off to quick and flew into cover so I couldn't get a great look at it. This has happened twice since, the birds they have taken are fit birds and quite heavy? So they have been killed on the spot and de feathered and partially eaten, I know they are protected however I do not want to keep chickens in so is there any other thing I can do to prevent these strikes, I guess that the culprit is a goshawk, any ideas? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
The one 8,477 Posted November 22, 2016 Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 Hello and welcome mate , a covered run might be the only way now they have discovered theres a ready made meal waiting at your place now Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Firebloke 0 Posted November 22, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 22, 2016 They feed In our orchard and follow the horses around the fields, to cover the orchard would be out of the question as it would need netting for the area the size about 15x15 metres if not more? They are "free range" by definition and I'd hate to lock them in, guess I will have to face the consequences on these actions and be aware. Thanks Quote Link to post Share on other sites
j j m 6,539 Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 welcome bud 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Haiddheliwr 1,911 Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 Hi. Welcome mate, I had the same problem with free ranging chickens, started taking bantams then went on to the bigger fowl! As the rest of the lads say there is not a lot that can be done unfortunately! In my case it disappeared one day never to return strange that!! 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Firebloke 0 Posted November 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 I think I will have to shoo it away Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Haiddheliwr 1,911 Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 Yes Firebloke something along those lines lol 1 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
low plains drifter 10,475 Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 I think I will have to shoo it away Get one of john craven's fox deterrents, they squirt water Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Firebloke 0 Posted November 23, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 Think I might have had a typo error on post May use my pigeon decoys with the chicken carcass as a bonus, Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Haiddheliwr 1,911 Posted November 23, 2016 Report Share Posted November 23, 2016 :-) THUMBS (-: Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Firebloke 0 Posted November 30, 2016 Author Report Share Posted November 30, 2016 Blatsard took another one today, killed and ate the 8 week old chick in the open shed, nearly a week since it killed a strong hen? Will have to do some spying on the hens whilst they are out and about, may have to get the bird scarer out. One angry fog horn leg horn this week, pesky chicken hawk. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.
Note: Your post will require moderator approval before it will be visible.