This is the incredible moment a rooster fought off a hawk swooping on chickens before pinning the predator to the ground.
Shasta Schlitt was at home in Kansas City, Missouri, US, on February 26 when she heard a loud commotion coming from her back garden.
Incredible footage shows a Coopers hawk divebombing her five Ameraucana hens before Shastas rooster Jay jumped into action and chased it away.
The persistent bird of prey attacked again but this time Jay caught the hawk mid-attack and wrestled it to the ground where he sat on it until Shasta came outside.
Shasta said: Jay is one badass dude. He is legitimately the best rooster ever.
When there is danger Jay gets very loud. I didn't hear him at first, but after one minute I heard him, looked out, and realised he was standing on top of a hawk.
I just started keeping chickens in the spring of 2021 and this is the first time Jay has ever had to jump into action.
I was honestly completely shocked. I couldn't believe how relentless this hawk was, but I was also super proud of how Jay handled the whole situation.
While we have tons of hawks around here, we have only had one other incident, but the hawk took off immediately after it tried and failed to grab one of the girls.
This behaviour is common for Coopers hawks. The red-tailed ones would never stick around, but the Coopers do every single time. They are oddly relentless.
Jay had several shallow puncture wounds that I have cleaned up and dressed. He is doing great now and has gotten lots of treats and extra love.
Curly, the white hen, somehow got away with nothing more than missing feathers. She has stuck very closely to Jay since and I cant say I blame her.
Unfortunately, the hawk didnt make it. Jay messed him up pretty bad. His wing was completely broken at the main joint, broken leg and he was bleeding from his mouth and eyes. It was awful.
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