Urban Chickens and Hawks

Just because your chickens live in a metropolis doesn't mean they are safe from predators! I knew we had possums and raccoons on our street, but I had no idea hawks would be swooping in, too.

I was reminded of this by my friends who live a few miles away from me, who recently had a hawk go INTO their chicken coop and attack and kill two of their chickens. (Photo at left is of this killer hawk sitting on their roof.)

I had a close call a few months back, when a hawk came down and tried to grab Marge, our White Leghorn. Luckily my husband was in the backyard and able to scare the hawk away, but Marge was still left was some horrible scratches on her neck from the hawk's talons.

I feel terrible for my friends, but I still am letting my chickens out to roam during the day. I think they would be way too unhappy confined in their coop, so I'm willing to take the risk.