Another hawk attack thread - need advice

[Mortis]

I've read a dozen of the threads here pertaining to hawks. But I wanted to get some advice specific to my situation.

I have a flock of Rhode Island Reds, that free range all around the house in the front, side, and back yard. Last summer and fall, we had a few different hawk attacks. They are Cooper's Hawks, so they are too small to actually kill and carry away my full grown chickens, however they do swoop down and attack and rip out a lot of feathers and draw some blood.

I assumed that during winter, with the chickens being cooped up for months, that the hawks would go somewhere else. Since it was warm today, I let my chickens out today for the first time in nearly 2 months, and 1 of them was attacked before lunch time. I didn't see it happen, but I'm nearly positive it was one of the Cooper Hawks again.

I have a large fenced in area with bird netting over it that is safe from predators, however I really liked having the birds be free-range. Do any of you have experience/advice that can help me?

 

[hamiltons65]

My sister was having trouble with the Hawks and found that hanging mirrors that she bought at dollar general or just cheap mirrors so that they swing and spin has kept the Hawks at bay. Maybe try this, hope it helps

 

[Larry55]

Once hawks have found your chickens they will keep trying to get at them until they are deterred enough. Maybe using a chicken tractor or limiting ur birds to a covered run.

 

[Folly's place]

It's winter, and the hawks are hungry! Having the flock in a covered run is safest, and often it's okay to let them out intermittently. Your hawk was there today; maybe bad luck, maybe a resident who thought your chicken looked possible. It's back to locking the chickens in again!
Guard dogs can work well, but are by far the most expensive and longest to develop protection plan.
I had a Cooper's hawk at my bird feeder last week, next to the front window. He was hungry enough to come within three feet of the house!
Some people say that dangling CDs, or mirrors, make a difference. I haven't tried either.
Mary

 

[Mortis]

I appreciate your help, thanks to everyone.