Birds That Kill Chickens in Pennsylvania

Large birds of prey will snatch a chicken if times are tough, but they prefer small rodents, so Pennsylvania chicken owners should rest assured that a predatory bird attack on poultry is uncommon. In times of desperation, red-tailed hawks, bald eagles, golden eagles and snowy owls may go after a chicken, but these birds should not stop you from letting chickens out into the open. All of these birds have vast territories, so the likelihood of seeing more than one is slim.

  1. Red-Tailed Hawk

    • Red-tailed hawk.

      The red-tailed hawk is a predatory bird whose habitat encompasses Pennsylvania. They are the most common hawk in North America and will eat chicken if an opportunity arises. Red-tailed hawks prefer open areas like fields with tall trees around so they can watch for prey and strike. An adaptable bird, they can live in the mountains, tropics -- anywhere the North American continent stretches. While a red-tailed hawk attack is rare on chickens, as they prefer mice and small reptiles, they are opportunistic hunters and will strike as such.

    Bald Eagle

    • Bald eagle.

      Bald eagles have a vast territory, stretching far into Canada and Alaska and all over the United States. They prefer to live near bodies of water where fish are abundant, but bald eagles will prey on small mammals, including chickens, if they get the chance. The eagle is severely endangered, so chicken owners in Pennsylvania should look at them as slightly more of a threat to chickens than getting struck by lightning.

    Golden Eagle

    • Golden eagle.

      Golden eagles are North America's largest bird, and it can dive down and attack prey at 150 miles per hour. Birds are on the list of prey for golden eagles, so chickens beware. In fact, golden eagles have been known to attack deer. Their territory encompasses 60 miles, so unless they are mates, you should not expect to see more than two golden eagles in your area at once. They nest in trees, on cliffs and in telephone poles.

    Snowy Owl

    • Snowy owl.

      The snowy owl -- although a less likely predator than an eagle -- will prey on birds, including chickens, if prey like small rodents are not abundant. In snowy Pennsylvania winters the snowy owl may perch in a tree above a coop and wait patiently for his moment to strike. The birds prefer the cover of snow and will migrate to follow its coverage, so chicken owners should mainly be cautious in the winter.