The blue bird in the background of the photo is keeping an eye on the hawk who has been bothering his nest.
Hawks and Small Birds are Not Friends
The Jersey Giant babies got out of their run today. There are 3 of them and they are about the size of the small children’s football. At this point, their mama has already been returned to big girl’s run and they have been hanging out in the maternity ward here on the farm until they too can hang with adults. Right now, they are teenagers and need protective care.
Apparently those small bodies have figured a way to duck and tuck themselves through an opening in their run. At this time, I have not found that hole but will investigate thoroughly before it gets dark. Them having gotten out is completely not acceptable and measures for their safety must be taken before the day is over. What I will probably have to do it put them in the run and just sit and watch how they are getting out. And, that’s no biggie. I sit out there lots of times and just watch my chickens so to keep a watch on them and try to figure out this mystery will be just another day on a chicken farm for me.
It’s all about safety. I was not aware of this problem until a friend of mine told me they were out and that 2 hawks seemed to be watching them from a tree branch. Hawks watching from a tree branch is a real event around chickens. Hawks are a serious predator of birds of any breed. Poultry are simply not safe without full cover and all holes blocked so I know I have work today and it cannot wait until later. There are coverings on all of my runs but obviously a breech in security has occurred.
I’ve found that once a chicken finds an opening, it is their go-to way to slip out to enjoy the free range life. They like free ranging because of the different and various foods they find moving about. Bugs, insects and even some plants are tasty to chickens.
Well, the sun seems to be moving on beyond the trees, so that is my clue to go on the search for a 2 or 3 inch opening around the perimeter of the run. I’ll be peering into the trees as well in case I see a large bird with big eyes. I’ll keep you posted on my success. Meanwhile, check out our Facebook and Twitter page for details to our up and coming events.
