Author Topic: can buzzards take chickens? (Read 10367 times)

hairyhetty · « **on:** December 09, 2010, 02:02:29 pm »

after iv lost 9 hens in a week, was wondering if buzzards can take chickens as they seem to circle our field? iv bin told no, must be fox, but just wondering as no trace of them anywhere.

Cobra · « **Reply #1 on:** December 09, 2010, 04:54:13 pm »

It is definitely possible for a buzzard to take a chicken. If you've lost more than one i would be a little less convinced its a buzzard, normally a one off, but in this weather every animal is looking for what they can get, so? you cant rule it out.

cluckingnuts · « **Reply #2 on:** December 09, 2010, 05:20:07 pm »

I see Buzzards every day + have never had an attack.

darkbrowneggs · « **Reply #3 on:** December 09, 2010, 05:48:56 pm »

I had a buzzard take three young growing pullets, one after another late last summer. I didn't realise what was getting them at first, till we saw it stoop from the old dead tree where it was sitting near to them. I have had the small stock under wire since then, but I have never had a problem before (I think) in about 20 years.

Sue

hairyhetty · « **Reply #4 on:** December 10, 2010, 10:02:56 am »

thanx , its been swooping but iv watched them for ages and never seen them will prey. prob pesky fox.

lazybee · « **Reply #5 on:** December 10, 2010, 10:19:19 am »

The most obvious bird to take chickens is the Hen harrier. We get them here in France. They are in the UK too but game keepers kill them when they can (friends brother daughters old boy friend are keepers and they are merciless with birds of prey 'a###holes')

bigchicken · « **Reply #6 on:** December 10, 2010, 04:52:38 pm »

The simple answer is yes I have had a buzzard take several chickens a couple of years ago. Have seen a pair of buzzards taking newly realised pheasants before Not a usual occurrence on both occasions it was young birds not long fledged that were doing the damage.