Hawks: fishing line?

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update: few months later. still have the hawks nest. still have hawks visibly perching on trees less than 50 yards from coop and run. and have not lost any chickens. so I think that is a good success. fishing line is crossing back and forth, about 4 ft between line.
 
MCBirdman said:
Hello. New here.
Question is fishing line more of a physical barrier to Hawks or a psychological barrier. How close does the line need to be to reliably prevent attacks?
My run big. 60ft X 80ft.
Thanks
Click to expand...
In reality monofilament fishing line is not a barrier to or a problem for Hawks to overcome. Monofilament fishing line is used worldwide to capture hawks to use for hunting. The best thing I can say about stringing monofilament line over your chickens' run is that it is very much invisible to hawks which may result in a hawk or two breaking their dang fool necks when they try to capture and kill one of your chickens.
 
You could try the line, with cds hanging from them and some holographic ribbon thrown in for an extra flashy combo lol. If they see a barrier more clearly they might stay away.

I've also heard of people hanging old silverware and beer bottles in nearby trees to keep them away. But I've never tried it.

I use chicken wire but only for their run, I just keep an eye on them when they are out, I've had bold hawks fly close but when they realize I'm around they fly off rather quickly.
 
OrganicFarmWife said:
if you free range you must accept that some of your birds will be lost.  you do your best to give your birds adequate protection so hopefully you do not lose too many, but you must understand that some chickens will probably get attacked and taken.  If you are not comfortable with taking that chance, do not free range.
I personally free range.  I feel that the birds freedom, the decrease in food costs, and getting rid of most my insects outweighs the risk of loosing a bird.  I have lost 2 birds so far to predator attacks, one was probably a hawk.  It really stinks, but I accept the risk (and I think the birds do too)
Click to expand...
Same here I agree 100% They love free ranging and I just can't see keeping them cooped up all day I have 5 good roosters as well and 60+ hens so I lose birds occasionally but like you said it's a risk but my roosters set off the alarm and the girls run for cover now and I have Guinaes also and three geese on the way March 13 plus six ducks
 

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