Chickens killing pigeons. What?

[igorsMistress]

I've found a few dead pigeons in our yard but they weren't eaten, just obviously beat up. I thought maybe escapees from predators, it happens.

This morning though, I saw the boss, Scarlett is a RIR, kill a pigeon. Her right hand girl Pepper, an Australorp, was helping. They left it to die. Has anyone else had this happen? Thoughts about why?

There's plenty of food, treats and water. Lots of greens and space.

 

[meetthebubus]

Maybe an instinct since pigeons are known to carry diseases to chickens

My chickens always growl specifically at pigeons well they are actually turtle doves here, when they pass by but not at other birds

That is weird though

 

[Kessel23]

I am not sure why they do it but one of my friends tried to keep a few OEGB in his pigeon coop and the same thing happened.

 

[aart]

Have read numerous stories about chickens killing wild birds.
They are invaders, not welcome on the chickens 'turf'.
Was the pigeon trying to eat or drink out of chickens dishes?

 

[igorsMistress]

Have read numerous stories about chickens killing wild birds.
They are invaders, not welcome on the chickens 'turf'.
Was the pigeon trying to eat or drink out of chickens dishes?

Yes, it was near their daytime hangout, both food and water are there.

 

[RNPAULIE69]

My girls hang out under my feeders with all the birds that frequent them. Squirrels and chipmunks too..do I have unusually nice chickens?

 

[igorsMistress]

My girls hang out under my feeders with all the birds that frequent them. Squirrels and chipmunks too..do I have unusually nice chickens?

There are often birds that hang out, pigeons, doves, finches etc. This one must have been in the wrong place at the wrong time.

 

[lazy gardener]

My birds will chase robins if they are out free ranging. I think they picked the habit up from the crows who killed every single robin chick that fledged last summer. A friend also says her birds chase robins.

 

[Theladiesandagentleman]

My three ladies kept chasing a fledgling Jay. Poopy even pecked the poor thing and would have killed it had I not intervened. Just xenophobic creatures who don't want anything in their orchard. My explanation to them that Jay's are good and keep the Hawks away just fell on deaf ears.

 

[aart]

Just xenophobic creatures who don't want anything in their orchard.

Not prejudice just nature's way.

My girls hang out under my feeders with all the birds that frequent them. Squirrels and chipmunks too..do I have unusually nice chickens?

No, but they might have lice and mites from hanging out with those wild birds.

I have mixed feeling about feeding wild animals, I don't think it's a good thing tho it sure entertains us humans and I kind of understand our need/want to 'support' the animals who's territory we have invaded and ruined, but it's unnatural.

I stopped feeding wild birds when I got chickens, because it can attract hawks, and I didn't want wild birds in with my chickens, and it's damned expensive. I have no shortage of crows and jays that chase of the hawks, tho I do live in a rural area where wildlife is more balanced.