Owl in the Hen house.

I went out at 8 pm to water the turkey hens who are in a house with some chickens so they are seperate from the Toms. I opened the door and to my surprise what do I see but a horned owl sitting on one of my Red laced white bantam cornish. Shocked to say the least. The owl had 6 dead chickens it could'nt just kill one and eat it. I lost speckled sussex Blue splash marans bantam cornish and ameraucaunas. But the Turkeys were all in the rafters or hidden in the corners of the building. We found one turkey outside the next day hidden in a truck topper. I guess I know where my rabbits have been going. So if there is a bright side he did not kill any turkey hens. Also he could have showed up after I had done my chores and would have all night to kill birds. Who says wild animals only kill when they are hungry,I rate owls up there with the raccoons nothing but vermin. The owl got in a broken window but went out the door and headed to the happy hunting grounds.

Sorry about your loss We've never had an owl get in our hen house but I did see one come up and sit in the tree right beside the coop last summer just about dusk. So I know that he's keeping an eye on things. I didn't know how much damage an owl would until now. Yikes! Glad he went to happy hunting ground!

They must be hungry as one attempted to take a poodle in the village. The dog was just all scratched up but otherwise fine. The owner was shocked to say the least. It must be a down cycle for there normal prey. I have not seen a wild rabbit all winter that could explain the brazen attitude.

The last couple of years have been easy winters and I think this one has hit hard (around here anyway). Heard of a case not too far from me where coyotes killed a deer right in a guy's backyard. Chased it on his deck and everything.

Last night, while doing the animals, the dogs kept barking at something. Not unusual for the Cocker but the Aussie hardly ever does that. Packed it in and left the birds for this morning. Wasn't concerned for myself but figured that I'd never be fast enough to stop something grabbing the Cocker.