Caught an egg-stealing raven. Now what?

[babelfish]

We've had a raven -- or several -- taking eggs lately. We'd been getting seven or so eggs a day until about a week and a half ago -- every egg was gone every day if I didn't get lucky and get there before the raven.

Today, my father took a shot at a raven trying to take an egg with a .22. He missed the bird, but either stunned it, or the thing played dead. He went to inspect it, and couldn't find a mark on it from a bullet. Not sure what to do with it, he locked it up in a dog crate near the duck pen.

So, er, what do we do now? Crows and ravens are smart -- if we let the bird go after having been penned up most of the day, will it have been spooked out of coming back? And, more to the point, will it teach this behavior to others? Or do we need to just kill it and string it up near the pen to keep other birds away? I know that the latter is an effective strategy, and I have no qualms killing the bird if it keeps my flock safe, but if it's not necessary, I'd rather avoid it.

Thanks.

 

[redhen]

I'd let the raven have a few eggs,... dont they chase off the hawks??

 

[ranchhand]

I'd leave it be and set up some way to keep them from getting to the eggs. Ravens and crows are wonderful at chasing hawks away.

Maybe a cover over the laying area? Rollaway nest boxes? If you free range and the hens lay out in the open, it might be time to reconsider, since it will also attract other predators.

 

[babelfish]

The ducks (not chickens) are well-protected from hawks: They have a covered pen available and spend most of their days at the edge of the woods. Of course, most of our previous flock -- of chickens -- was picked off by hawks, but the chickens spent their days in the open, and were significantly smaller than the ducks.

And it's not just a few eggs -- it's every egg, every day I don't collect. I've lost 7-8 eggs a day, several days in a row.

At any rate, I just went and checked on him, and it looks like he might have gotten hit in the leg by the bullet earlier. He's having trouble standing up. So, we're going to have to put him down anyway.

 

[Nambroth]

I know you probably don't want to know, but ravens are federally protected. Depending on your state laws you may not be able to shoot them (like hawks, etc). If you haven't already put the bird down, please consider taking him or her to a wildlife rehabber if there is one in your area. (You may need to tell them that you found it wounded) They will either rehab the wounded bird and release it somewhere else or they can make the bird an educational bird. Otherwise if they deem the bird cannot be saved they will put it down.

Please don't get me wrong, I understand protecting your eggs. On a positive note, if any other ravens saw what happened, they are far less likely to repeat the egg stealing. Unlike some other predators, they are smart enough to figure out what someone with a gun means.

 

[redhen]

Quote:
Wow.. poor thing. Yes, PLEASE put him down humanely... dont just leave him to suffer...

 

[babelfish]

Quote:
Washington State law allows hunting of crows and ravens during specified months (we are not currently in-season), and allows killing of crows and ravens harming pets and stock at any time. So, we're safe there -- I looked it up before we even considered killing one.

The raven seems to be improving. We'll consider bringing it to a rehab center.

 

[BlackBart]

Ravens keep the Eagles and Hawks away. We don't shoot them around here, bad Karma.

Why don't you make a smaller opening on the coop so he can't get in?

 

[mamabahre]

Quote:
Washington State law allows hunting of crows and ravens during specified months (we are not currently in-season), and allows killing of crows and ravens harming pets and stock at any time. So, we're safe there -- I looked it up before we even considered killing one.

The raven seems to be improving. We'll consider bringing it to a rehab center.

why not just bring it to a rehabber instead of killing it.

Ravens are actually one of the smartest birds in the animal kingdom. If this one is still alive just bring him to a professional regardless of his condition. They can at least try to save him.

 

[sourland]

When we first moved into our home, the crows would actually get into the garbage cans, rip open the bags and strew trash all over the yard. I padded the jaws of a leg-hold trap and set it on top of the garbage bag wired fast to the can. The next morning shortly after daybreak all h*ll broke loose. The Princess asked, "What is going on?" My reply, "Crows are being educated." I got dressed and went outside. The mobbing crows all left, and the trapped crow just sat there quietly. I told him to tell everyone else to stay away or they would get hurt, and then I released him. 46+ years later and the crows have never gotten into the garbage since. Have a talk with that raven. Warn him and all future generations and then release him.