A hawk discovered our chickens, anyone know what species it is?

[aidan47]

Found this guy stalking the run, anyone know what kind of hawk this is, and if it could take down a full grown hen?
Thank you!

 

[sourland]

I believe it is an immature Cooper's hawk, and yes they can/will kill a full grown. They will try the smallest birds first, but if hungry enough ------------

 

[Folly's place]

Welcome!
Where are you located?
I'm guessing Cooper's hawk, but need the bird book to be sure.
Mary

 

[Folly's place]

Most of our losses to raptors have been to Cooper's hawks, who will go for the smaller birds, like our bantams, and the youngsters.
Keep your birds in for two weeks, at least, until this bird gives up on stalking them!
Mary

 

[Celeste Cannon]

Def a coopers hawk, i've got those all over the place. They'll want to get the easy ones aka small, bright colored slow ones. When I let my birds out I keep an extra good eye on any of my chickens with those characteristics (especially my white pekin). I also just stay near them at all times if they're not in the run, and look in the trees and sky. Make sure theres no way for him to get in the run, and check that your fencing is fine enough so the hawk cant get his head or feet through. Do you use wire mesh?

 

[aidan47]

Def a coopers hawk, i've got those all over the place. They'll want to get the easy ones aka small, bright colored slow ones. When I let my birds out I keep an extra good eye on any of my chickens with those characteristics (especially my white pekin). I also just stay near them at all times if they're not in the run, and look in the trees and sky. Make sure theres no way for him to get in the run, and check that your fencing is fine enough so the hawk cant get his head or feet through. Do you use wire mesh?

Yeah we use wire mesh, don't know the size of the gaps but I know I couldn't get a finger through, so I'm pretty sure it's safe.
When they were chicks we always made sure there was a person outside with them when we let them out, but we've definitely got less strict with that as they got older. We have one silkie that I'm sure would be an easy target so I'll be sure to keep a good eye on her when she's out. Thank you

 

[Folly's place]

Don't assume that your presence will discourage this bird!!!
Mary

 

[cmom]

Cooper's hawk.

 

[centrarchid]

Make so chicks do not panic into a corner where hawk can get at their heads. When that species comes in to target my juveniles, a full sized rooster is placed in with the young birds. Rooster intimidates hawk. Younger chicks are kept with broody hens that will kill such a hawk in short order if they can get at. If young birds can not be combined with larger more aggressive birds, then make so three sides of their confinement makes so hawk and young chickens cannot see each other. Also cover top of pen.

Gender of hawk not evident, but the smaller males as well as Sharp-shinned Hawks can squeeze through 2 x 4 welded wire, but not chicken wire. Chicken wire still allows heads of panicking chickens to pop through.

 

[centrarchid]

Don't assume that your presence will discourage this bird!!!
Mary

If the bird comes in, look at it and run it off. They are scared of me and I am only slightly uglier than you.