Red Kites (1 Viewer)

M

minibusmick

New member

• Apr 9, 2014

• #1

Hi, please stick with me cos I'm new to this. I live in Colchester, Essex, and keep small Pekin bantams for a hobby. A couple of weeks ago, I heard a commotion outside, and when I went out there was a red kite flying about right above my bantam flock, which made them disappear into their house. They normally roam the garden during the day, and I'd like to know if a red kite would take one of these small bantams if it got the chance.
Thanks

 

Peter C.

...just zis guy, you know?

• Apr 9, 2014

• #2

Doubt it. Not exactly swift bird predators these kites - voles, mice and earthworms are more their speed!

 

Andy Hurley

Gotta love nature!

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Apr 12, 2014

• #3

It would if it got the chance, but as Peter says, earthworms are more their speed. They mainly scavenge but they do take living prey. As long as your birds have a safe place to retreat they'll be ok. Mind you the bantam cock might play dead if you follow that old song. "she'll be down in a minute or two".
And welcome to the forum

 

D

David Ferguson

Well-known member

• Apr 12, 2014

• #4

There was a report in last week's local paper of a Red Kite snatching a grey squirrel out of a tree. There was even a photo.

 

T

Tideliner

Well-known member

• Apr 12, 2014

• #5

A few years ago a free range chicken farm had trouble with a pair of red kites taking young poults.The kites were very persistant often chasing the poults on foot even when I was present only 40 yards away. It may be uncommon , but given a chance kites will take small chickens.