@Bob G , yes, you use fishing line (or whatever) and hang the CD's from trees or the coop/run.
While these things can help, sadly, I think a really hungry hawk will soon learn that the crow (or owl) is fake, and even perhaps learn to ignore the CD's. It might help to move the crow/owl statues around every 2-3 days.
The best defense for flying predators is well secured avian netting over the run a (wire is even better but more work to install).
I read one post where the hawk flew right into the netting and still damaged the hen, but I think if the netting is pulled taut, it should work. A hawk tried to get through mine, but ended up having to skim over it and head for the trees.
Next would be fishing line strung in a star pattern, or back and forth across a run or open area; perhaps ~8" apart. This can be done, but might be hard to execute over an entire back yard.
Hawks are so bad, year round, in our area, that I set up a 'daytime' run with U posts + deer netting on the sides and avian netting from Amazon over the top, with a tree in the center for support. This area won't work at night, but by then the chickens are in their secure run/coop.
For free ranging backyard chickens, I think a lot of shrubs, picnic tables, dog houses, plywood on cinder blocks, etc., are your best bet.
These do interfere with the flight path of most hawks (not the smaller 'chickenhawks', or Cooper's hawks necessarily).
Of course a good rooster is also great insurance, but many of us aren't allowed to have them.
Livestock Guard Dogs are also helpful, but again, not practical for everyone.
Each situation and yard is a bit different!
While these things can help, sadly, I think a really hungry hawk will soon learn that the crow (or owl) is fake, and even perhaps learn to ignore the CD's. It might help to move the crow/owl statues around every 2-3 days.
The best defense for flying predators is well secured avian netting over the run a (wire is even better but more work to install).
I read one post where the hawk flew right into the netting and still damaged the hen, but I think if the netting is pulled taut, it should work. A hawk tried to get through mine, but ended up having to skim over it and head for the trees.
Next would be fishing line strung in a star pattern, or back and forth across a run or open area; perhaps ~8" apart. This can be done, but might be hard to execute over an entire back yard.
Hawks are so bad, year round, in our area, that I set up a 'daytime' run with U posts + deer netting on the sides and avian netting from Amazon over the top, with a tree in the center for support. This area won't work at night, but by then the chickens are in their secure run/coop.
For free ranging backyard chickens, I think a lot of shrubs, picnic tables, dog houses, plywood on cinder blocks, etc., are your best bet.
These do interfere with the flight path of most hawks (not the smaller 'chickenhawks', or Cooper's hawks necessarily).
Of course a good rooster is also great insurance, but many of us aren't allowed to have them.
Livestock Guard Dogs are also helpful, but again, not practical for everyone.
Each situation and yard is a bit different!
