Birding/Ravens

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Expert: - 6/20/2004


Question
Hello Roger;

I would like to know how to get ravens to leave my ducks and  chickens and their feed alone.  They're stealing all my eggs.  In a weeks time they've gone from two to six and are robbing me blind here. I don't want to have to shoot one...I'm told that killing one and letting it lay will keep them away. This is not something I want to do...I'd appreciate anything you might have to offer.  
Sincerely, Carol

Answer
First, please do not shoot any. It is against federal law and its a myth that a dead bird will keep the others away. Best to cover the duck and chick nests with chicken wire or something similar. Or put them in a hen house. Covering - doesn't have to be fancy, will work pretty well. Roger Lederer

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Roger Lederer

Expertise

Any and all about WILD birds - the science of ornithology. Information about birdwatching, ecology, conservation, migration, behavior, banding, rehabilitation, feeding, songs, binoculars, identification, and careers in ornithology. No questions about pet or caged birds, please.

Experience

Have a PhD and over forty years as a professional ornithologist - research, teaching, author, speaker, webmaster of Ornithology.com . Have written thirty scientific papers, three bird field guides, a textbook in ecology and two recent books entitled "Amazing Birds" and "Birds of New England". Have traveled to over 90 countries watching birds.

Education/Credentials
PhD in Zoology/Ornithology; Emeritus Professor of Biological Sciences; former Dean of the College of Natural Sciences at California State University, Chico

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