Yes, some will owls will eat chickens. Firstly, will owls are predators, and as such, they naturally hunt and eat other animals. Chickens are common prey for will owls in the wild. Secondly, some will owls may supplement their diet with chicken if available. However, this is not guaranteed and depends on the owl’s behavior.
Owls Are Dangerous Predators to Chickens
While some will owls may eat chickens, it is not guaranteed and is ultimately up to the owl. Generally speaking, however, will owls are relatively harmless to chickens. They generally only attack animals they can catch in their talons or feathers, and even then, most attacks are unsuccessful.
So while an occasional chicken meal from a hungry owl isn’t exactly desirable, it’s unlikely to cause any severe damage or harm your chickens.
Owls Love Biting Chicken Heads Off
Bite marks on chickens indicate that owls preyed heavily on these animals, so keeping your chickenyards secure is essential. Some experts say that owls might do this as a form of intimidation or to ensure the chicken doesn’t eat crow and could spread fear among other animals in its area.
Not to mention, owls are known to attack cats and dogs as well. So, if you’re someone who has a cat or dog, be sure to keep them indoors at all times! Ultimately, it’s essential to be aware of the predators around you and ensure you take the necessary precautions to keep your livestock safe.
When Do Owls Attack Chickens?
Generally, owls will only attack live prey when they are in pursuit of food. For example, if a chicken is caught within the owl’s talons or feathers, it will generally be killed. In addition, owls are known to attack at night, when chickens are typically more active.
Aren’t Chickens Too Heavy?
While some chickens may be too heavy for an owl to catch, others might not pose a significant enough meal. Chickens are naturally adept at running and can fly away quickly if they sense danger. For these reasons, it’s generally not advisable to leave your flock unguarded in case an owl decides to take a bite out of one of your chickens!
What Weight Can an Owl Pick Up?
While it’s impossible to say with certainty, most experts believe that an owl can lift around 8.9 pounds. So, if your chickens are fearfully skittish around owls, you may not be able to protect them by simply installing a motion-activated light.
Some experts believe such devices may worsen the situation by scaring away prey animals and causing the chickens to become targets.
Hunting Skills of Most Owls
Owls hunt by sight and hearing. They use their sharp eyesight to spot prey in the wild and their acute hearing to locate prey in dense vegetation or beneath the water. In addition, owls can hunt at night or in low light conditions, which makes them particularly well-suited for hunting prey that is difficult to see.
How to Keep Your Chickens Safe From Owls
The best way to keep your chickens safe from owls is to ensure they have plenty of space and are kept away from trees, bushes, and other tall areas where they might perch. You can also install a chicken wire fence around your property or a scarecrow to discourage the birds from coming too close.
Additionally, you can keep a few hens inside at all times during the night and ensure they have secure perches so they’re not easy prey for owls.
Have a Rooster for Warning Calls
Having a rooster around can be an effective deterrent against predators. When an owl or other predator approaches, the rooster will start crowing, which will scare them off.
This bird will crow every morning and evening to let other creatures know there are chickens in the vicinity. Along with providing a warning call, this noble bird also helps farmers keep an eye on their poultry while they’re away from the coop.
While a rooster can help keep your chickens safe from owls, he won’t be able to protect them from other predators. Roosters are known to intimidate other animals, such as dogs and cats, so they may be unable to fend off an owl on their own. So, while a rooster can help, it’s essential to have other measures in place as well.
Installing a Motion-Activated Light
Many people swear by the efficacy of motion-activated lights in keeping their chickens safe from predators. Instead, these lights create an artificial nighttime environment, which is thought to disturb prey animals and scare them off.
Installation of a motion detector light can be expensive, but it may be worth it if you find that your chickens are being targeted frequently by owls or other predators. Moreover, if you live in a rural area, installing a light may be your only means of protecting your flock.
Secure Them in Their Coop Overnight
Chickens need to be secure in their coop at all times, especially during the night. To do this, install a wire mesh fence around their area and ensure enough space inside the coop for them to move freely. Feed the birds in an adjacent area, so they do not come into close contact with your poultry.
Cover Their Run With a Roof
Covering up the run of your chickens with a material like wood or plastic will keep owls away. By using wire mesh or weather stripping, you can make sure there are no openings for the birds to enter. If that doesn’t work, then culling your flock might be necessary.
Installing a roof on top of the coop will prevent other predators (like owls) from coming close to your chickens and preying on them.
Use Scarecrows and Other Decoys
You can also try scarecrows made of chicken feathers around their neck. Finally, ensure the area surrounding your chicken coop is clean and free of any obstacles that could attract predators. If you find yourself struggling to keep the birds away, fence them in using chicken wire or a chicken coop security system.
How to Keep Owls and Other Birds of Prey Away From Chickens
Keeping owls and other birds of prey away from your chickens isn’t always easy. However, you can use a few easy tricks to achieve the desired effect. One way is to install an owl feeder that dispenses food when an owl approaches.
Other Chicken Predators to Watch Out for
Being aware of wildlife is essential for safe gardening and playing outside. Not only do you need to be aware of the chicken predators like hawks and owls, but you should be aware of the other predators that may prey on your flocks, like foxes and raccoons.
Keeping all doors and windows closed is essential, so these predators can’t get in. So if you have predators in your area, it’s a good idea to install a predator-proof chicken coop or uses a high fence around the property’s perimeter.
In addition, make sure to teach your children about wildlife safety and the different types of animals in your local area! Finally, never leave food or anything that smells outside where predators can get to it.
