Will a turkey vulture attack full-grown, live chickens?

[Becky Reid]

I had my ladies out in the yard today while doing some coop repairs and then saw a giant shadow circle over head. I immediately got them back into the coop where they have an enclosed run with deer netting over the top. I'm pretty sure it was a turkey vulture and it kept hanging around and circling. After reading a few forums, it looks like turkey vultures only go after dead things and possibly a chick or banty. I wanted to see if anyone knows of turkey vultures go after a full-sized birds. Also, is deer netting that is tied down is enough to protect against birds of prey? If not, what kind of protection do I need?  I'm in north downtown in case this vulture poses a threat to other flocks in the neighborhood!  Best, Becky

[zorb...@yahoo.com]

Becky, turkey vultures were attacking calves up Northern VA way some years back. They might not be after your birds, though. This is hunting season and some slob hunters don't care about their neighbors. They leave deer guts and carcasses (spelling?) In all kinds of places, so scent from dead deer may be wafting about near you, attracting the vultures.

Bird netting will NOT keep out raccoons!!! They are vicious killers of poultry. They are very strong. They can even rip chicken wire.

Elizabeth Petofi

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device from U.S. Cellular

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From: Becky Reid <becky...@gmail.com>

Sender: cvill...@googlegroups.com

Date: Sun, 21 Nov 2010 18:39:35 -0500

To: <cvill...@googlegroups.com>

ReplyTo: cvill...@googlegroups.com

Subject: [CLUCK] Will a turkey vulture attack full-grown, live chickens?

I had my ladies out in the yard today while doing some coop repairs and then saw a giant shadow circle over head. I immediately got them back into the coop where they have an enclosed run with deer netting over the top. I'm pretty sure it was a turkey vulture and it kept hanging around and circling. After reading a few forums, it looks like turkey vultures only go after dead things and possibly a chick or banty. I wanted to see if anyone knows of turkey vultures go after a full-sized birds. Also, is deer netting that is tied down is enough to protect against birds of prey? If not, what kind of protection do I need?  I'm in north downtown in case this vulture poses a threat to other flocks in the neighborhood!  Best, Becky

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