The Accidental Smallholder Forum
Livestock => Poultry & Waterfowl => Topic started by: docsal on June 01, 2018, 04:55:45 pm
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So, further to my previous thread about a buzzard taking a 10 week old chicken, we did some research. We kept the chooks in their run for a couple of days while we rigged up a plastic owl bird deterrent, humming wires and reflective bird deterrant tape.
The other 10 week old killed and picked clean today. The other birds in there are full grown large fowl. Will they be too big and therefore safe??
Do I need to keep them in their run? They are used to lots of space........
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This from the RSPB page on Hunting and Feeding Habits of the Buzzard:
Prey up to 500g is taken by active predation; anything heavier is usually carrion or seriously enfeebled individuals.
Read more at https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/buzzard/hunting-and-feeding-habits/#QqAlkZExX616RpI8.99 (https://www.rspb.org.uk/birds-and-wildlife/wildlife-guides/bird-a-z/buzzard/hunting-and-feeding-habits/#QqAlkZExX616RpI8.99)
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We’ve recently had two occasions where a stripped carcass of an 8 and 9 week old hen respectively has been left behind. These are a commercial meat breed kept in a barn with a 4’ wooden framed wire barrier (now the full height of the door). We do have buzzards about but I suspect the culprit was a crow. Both times it was during the day within a 2 hour time period. The carcasses were both found at the foot of the wire barrier. Does that sound likely?
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Sure it's not a stoat or mink?
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More than likely Goshawks. I have had issues over the years. I had a new batch of 70 POL expensive hens I lost 10 in a few weeks! I have them back out now but I have bought professional bird net and covered the big area with net over the top. I did the CDs etc didn't work. Someone said Turkeys are good but that's another hassle
The Goshawks will attack down, go for the breast. Take about 1 side and leave the rest for next day.
Goshawks are now being a serious problem for outdoor poultry as they are not controlled. They have cost me my egg business as I no longer can afford to replace birds. Im keeping the last of my birds.
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We've always had carrion crows hanging around our place but until this year they have just taken bits of spilt feed but now have begun taking ducklings and we lost three to them as well as 9 chicks. There is also a Goshawk hanging around but it hasn't taken anything so far. We have begun to keep the young ducklings on the garden and as of now nothing has gone. We also keep one of our dogs outside some of the time and nothing will come close while he is there.