There were literally 15-20 Turkey Vultures circling our chicken pen...

[mamabahre]

No joke. Over 15 but maybe less than 20. They were circling maybe MAYBE 100 feet above us and most landed in the trees in the yard and just hung out there.
It was around 6pm and they didn't seem to be roosting yet but boy were they hovering over my girls just watching us...The chickies were freaking out, hiding under the coop we had to entice them out with worms and grab them one at a time to throw them in their coop for the night.

I know that turkey vultures are carrion eaters, however we have NEVER had more than one buzz over the yard and they were hovering very close to the ground right over the coop and run. So tell me I have nothing to worry about? They wouldn't really go after a chicken, my girls are only about 9 weeks old so they aren't full grown yet which is really the only reason I'm concerned. I haven't got the top of the run on yet and can't really get to until tomorrow night or even the next day...I wish I had taken a picture of them all in the tree it was crazy.

 

[woodmort]

Just don't lay out in the sun and go to sleep.

 

[DancingHen]

I've seen vultures gather in trees together in the middle of the day. We have a lot of them here, and I have never had a problem with my birds. Maybe they were checking to see what sort of food your chickens were eating. Vultures can be drawn to the sight of other groups of animals feeding. They will gather and wait their turn. I can't imagine they would attack a chicken. If they make you nervous just flap your arms at them. And don't forget the camera next time.

 

[mamabahre]

I was thinking maybe they are watching is feed the girlies. We were tossing worms and a little bit of scratch around...
Those are some big birds...huge wing span..I am taking the camera out with me every time I got outside tomorrow so I can try and catch a pic or two if they come back.

Our toddler thought it was awesome

 

[redhen]

They CAN attack chickens.. Had it happen to me. And others on here also.

 

[they'reHISchickens]

THere was a local email talking about Black Vultures in a group systematically attacking newborn animals- like a calf. Never heard of this before, though. Maybe we should research Black Vultures?

I think you should identify what type of vulture you have. Check this out: http://www.raptorcenter.org/black-vulture.asp

 

[edgroger]

They will surely attack the chickens

 

[GallusGal]

Vultures will not generally attack healthy adult animals; they have very weak beaks and feet since they are a scavenging species. However, they will pick at sick animals or newborn animals that are not ambulatory enough to defend themselves or get away. They will also eat eggs given the opportunity. Black vultures are more bold and more apt to tangle with hatchlings and sickly birds than turkey vultures, so I agree on IDing them to assess the risk. Though if it was a huge flock, I'm guessing they're black vultures.

ETA: Just re-read your post. They were turkey vultures? Odd for there to be that many all at once. I don't think they're nearly as apt to attack your birds as black vultures, at any rate.

 

[deerman]

turkey ones will not , but yes the blacks will attack live animals, turkey vultures , will not bother anything alive

 

[Hoss1975]

Quote:
A vultures beak is by no means weak,there feet are not weak either they just don't have the talons other birds of prey have.I volunteer at a raptor rehab center,we've taken in several vultures and when they get ahold of you with that beak you know it!