A crow question -

[hedgehog]

my chicken yard is a stopping place for hawks and eagles looking to pick up a quick snack (we're smack dab on a major migratory flyway). Lately, some crows have taken up residence in the trees around the chicken yard.

Now, I like crows, so that's not a problem for me. But I've seen crows mob a hawk. Will the crows guard the chicken yard?

[Denninmi]

1. I would think to some extent, yes, they will chase off or harass raptors pretty mercilessly.

But you will have to be cautious with eggs and chicks, because crows will eat them at any opportunity. Nothing sadder than seeing a crow swoop down and grab a cute fuzzy chick in its mouth and fly off while the poor thing screams.

[hedgehog]

2. Well, my chicks are pretty big now - although two of the smaller

banties went missing!