Chickens vs Flying Predators

    

Some of our flock in July 2011

     We have had chickens for years and have been fortunate enough to not have many predators trying to snack on our chickens. Over the years though, we have notice an increase in incidences with predators the more we add to our flock. Plus with all the brush clearing I have been doing hasn't helped either, nor the 2 big pine trees coming down this past fall.

     I loved having a blank slate for a yard, however, with little to no hiding spots for the chickens, they become easy prey for the flying predators. I did do some research and found that depending on the flying predator they need a certain amount of space to land and take off. My hope is by adding more trees and bushes it will help deter the hawks and eagles while keeping our chickens safe from harm. The other plus side to having more trees and bushes, it provides not only shelter but food as well.

   Yesterday my chickens started cackling like crazy. Sometimes it is just hens making noise from laying or screaming at other hens to hurry up with the nest they are using, but there are times where you just know something isn't right. I grabbed my coat and ran out the backdoor, surveying the yard and sky. I did not see any feathers nor predator flying above, that is until my DH yelled out about the big bird hanging out in the trees in the back part of the yard. This bird took off and my word the span was massive! I guess it liked what it saw and decided to make a return trip today to snack on one of our hens. This time when I went out I did not notice any noise or chickens. I knew something was up, especially once I saw the big bald eagle taking flight from the back corner of the yard after sensing the jig was up.

    It is always sad one a chicken is taken, but it does happen. That is the price when you free range your chickens without providing adequate protection for them. Hence the fact that we are trying to fix that very problem. Obviously I still free range my chickens, but I always try to be aware of their cries or lack there of.