aerial attack deterrent

[panner123]

I have noticed that many are having hawks attacking their chickens. One way to slow these attacks down is a simple one. String CDs above the run. For some reason as the CDs move in the wind, the hawks and other birds of prey shy away. This is by no means 100%, but it will cut your loses way down. I have used this method for many years and have had only a handful of attacks. I can sit on the porch and watch the hawks checking out my chickens. As they start for the run the CDs will move and the sun light will shine on them. When the hawk sees this they leave. Something so simple seems to work, most of the time.

 

[ivan3]

Yep.

Plenty of hawks, here. Have yet to have one stoop into either run (4.5 yr): https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=44145&p=1

 

[speckledhen]

It does work in the pens. I can't do that over my 2500 sf pen, but the smaller ones do have CD's dangling and swinging in the wind, throwing reflections all over. I use the neon colored mason's line rather than fishing line. It's very tough and lasts a long time.

 

[jenjscott]

In the old days, aluminum foil pie pans did the trick.

 

[Bobby Joe]

Thanks so much for the CD and neon line tip I am getting ready to expand my run and just didnt feel good about leaving it open. My Dad and I discussed the line but didnt know if this would work, the CD thing is genius. Thanks again...

 

[speckledhen]

Here is a pic from a few years ago when I had small pens in the front of the coop. I don't have these pens anymore since we moved pens to the back of the coops and expanded them much too big to easily string line for CD's, but this is the way we hang them. They have to be replaced on occasion when they lost their shiny quality, but it's really easy to do.

 

[Bat Cave Silkies]

Most of my runs are covered but 1 large one isn't....since I have Silkies, they can't really see when a hawk approaches.....I bought half a dozen beach umbrellas from Big Lots last year ($8 each) and placed them in the run.....only extended the umbrella to about 2 ft off the ground. I guess it prevents the hawks from having room to "dive", and it certainly gives the Silkies a place to hide...

 

[MarieNC]

Quote:
This is a really good idea! I have a covered run but there is a small fenced in area right outside the run I'd like to let the girls forage around in (supervised, of course) once in awhile but I am very concerned about aerial assaults as we have many hawks in the area. Wouldn't want anything to happen to any of my girls!

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

Quote:
It looks like Bahama Mama...I've seen it.

It's a brilliant idea and I'm getting ready to put mine up, along with CD's. I did find heavy netting at a reasonable price but putting it up will be a huge job. I'm going to try the umbrellas and CD's first.

 

[Illia]

So, umm, what if we don't have a run?

I'm fine though. . .


It's a great idea, and if I had a run, I'd certainly use it. I've heard quite a few people using this method.