Chicken Hawk

The great chicken experiment has taken another unexpected twist. So far we have let the chicken's free range in the backyard at will during the day. They love this and run around all day long. But with winter setting in a unforeseen consequence appeared. About 2 weeks ago we heard the birds squawking loudly. Joan went out to see what was happening and spotted a hawk sitting on top of the chimina. The chickens were below taking cover. The hawk was scared off by Joan's arrival.

For the next couple of days we kept the chickens couped up. But they don't like it. Eventually we started letting them out for an hour before sunset. Then finally went back to letting them free range all day. I spotted the hawk once more flying by. Strangely the hawk was accompanied by several loud crows.

I should have known better and kept them couped up. During the day the hawk came back and this time attacked. These chickens are big and strong so he must be desperate. I'm sure it is risky for him to attack. Amanda heard squawking again and went out and spotted the hawk. The hawk (and crows again) flew off but it was obvious a skirmish had taken place. The hawk took out Nugget's right eye. Otherwise she is fine. She did have a bloody beak so we are hoping she did damage back to the hawk during her struggle. It has been two days and she is pretty much acting normal.

For now they remain locked up in the coupe. Free range time will be limited to when they can be watched over. Nature plays out even in the suburban backyard...