achillacres
Hatching
Hello, I have read this site often and always appreciate the insight of others...so it was time to join. I am small time...8 hens and 1 rooster. We just lost Selma yesterday to a hawk...in 4 years we have never had any issue. I guess with the snow on the ground (I live in Southern Ontario) the hawk isn't finding mice and the chickens are easy prey. Thank you for those who had provided advice on the blog. I filled my bird feeders in order to keep the black birds (ravens or crows?) around as they will chase hawks...ha, I used to chase them away!! We also put some temporary ropes above the pen area so the hawk can't land. Both tips were from this site....so thank you, I think the rest of them will be safe 
I know how difficult it is to lose them. Crows and Ravens make excellent guard birds! Our Ravens run off the Hawks all the time. I have learned to understand the Ravens particular cackle and know when a Hawk is in the territory or being chased by the Ravens. Being you are up in Ontario, you probably have Ravens up there. However, be careful with chicks...Ravens can see tiny babies as food. They won't bother adult birds and will protect what is in your yard, especially since you feed them! My Ravens love dry dog food. 
