A CHICKEN owner in Ruspidge is warning other owners to be aware of large buzzards harming their livestock after she witnessed hers get killed.

Janette Ellis, of Ruspidge Road, called the Review last Wednesday morning stressing that buzzards in the area are targeting prey in broad daylight and are not afraid to kill.

She said: "I went down to feed my chickens and spotted a buzzard swoop into my chicken run and kill one and partially eat its head. I couldn't believe it – it was definitely a buzzard and my neighbour who witnessed it agreed with me.

"It is strange to see buzzards this time of year killing domestic chickens. When I checked the three other chickens they were cowering in the corner. I have never experienced this before and have a 5ft fence in place to keep the fox out but buzzards can just fly in. It was extremely frightening and I just hope that by warning others in the area they can put measures in place from this happening to them."

The chickens refused to come out of their coop for days after the attack, said Mrs Ellis.