Are hawks scared of humans?

[Runner duck mom]

I know someone who had a bantam rooster and the hawk took it when she was only 8 feet away. It wasn't scared of her at all and she hasn't had chickens since. It was horrifying she said.

That's just terrible and so very sad, I cant imagine being so close and seeing it happen without being able to get there in time
The hawk was about the size of our drake (he's maybe 5 lbs or so) but the girls are somewhere around 3.5 lbs. I honestly dont know how much a hawk can carry.

 

[FortCluck]

That's just terrible and so very sad, I cant imagine being so close and seeing it happen without being able to get there in time
The hawk was about the size of our drake (he's maybe 5 lbs or so) but the girls are somewhere around 3.5 lbs. I honestly dont know how much a hawk can carry.

The one that attacked my cochin was about the same size as it. My Cochin fought back and the hawk dropped it in the yard, but ripped it's skin wide open. It healed overnight with some vetericyn and a sterile water cleanse.

 

[The Angry Hen]

I've had hawks take fear of me- because if I'm walking the dogs, or out in the yard, I'll bark and clap at them. The neighbors may think it's odd... but it temporarily postpones any current visits from the hawk.
Last year, I had a Cooper's Hawk living behind my pond. I hated its presence, for it took a toll on the Songbirds. When walking toward its nest, it only flew to a lower branch and watched me. It followed me through the woods as though to befriend me- but I still didn't accept its persona.

I've never had a hawk go for my chickens (I don't have ducks) but I have had a hawk kill my almost-like-pet squirrel. Aside from this, I'll never take chances having a run without an overhead protection of hardware cloth or mesh. Predators don't waste time- they're much quicker in wits than sometimes ourselves. Never be afraid to be too safe... always be aware. If you're sitting there, watching the flock, you should be alright. If you are gardening, turning your back, or in a different spot of the yard... it's a bit too risky IMO.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

Unfortunately my daughter has had them grab her chicken while she was standing fairly close to it. I had one sit on my girls gate and when I ran out it was sitting on the ground in the run by my coop. It flew off when it saw me and no one was hurt, but I now notice one hanging closer than usual. Coincidence or not?

 

[Runner duck mom]

Everytime they tilt their heads up I'm out there looking.

Yes, me too. They look, I look. Usually it's nothing, a plane, vultures or a squirrel in a tree. But it's just like when the dogs start barking 99% of the time its nothing but every once in a while they are barking for a good reason.

I strung up fishing line in my free range area. About every 2 feet, it goes across the whole yard, it was a tip from a friend that's had chickens for 10+ years. We had a hawk attack and after it happened that's when I put it up... They will not come in the yard anymore because their wing span is more than 2 feet. They fly over the yard and swiftly go away to find food elsewhere.

Nothing is 100% guaranteed, but it's worked for me and this is my experience.

That is an awesome idea, thank you! I have a ton of fishing line. Totally going to try this

 

[aart]

I honestly dont know how much a hawk can carry.

Not being able to carry it will not deter it from killing to eat prey in place.
A physical barrier is needed.

 

[ValerieJ]

I strung up fishing line in my free range area. About every 2 feet, it goes across the whole yard, it was a tip from a friend that's had chickens for 10+ years. We had a hawk attack and after it happened that's when I put it up... They will not come in the yard anymore because their wing span is more than 2 feet. They fly over the yard and swiftly go away to find food elsewhere.

Nothing is 100% guaranteed, but it's worked for me and this is my experience.

Apparently you haven't seen Ellie.

 

[DoeAndGander]

Two vultures swooped down together and flew off with my moms neighbors yorkie. And she witnessed the whole thing. Something else to think about

 

[Runner duck mom]

The neighbors may think it's odd

I have no doubt our neighbors think we are odd as well. We do enough weird stuff that I'm sure they just sigh and roll their eyes at this point
It felt pretty good once the ducks settled down knowing their run protected them. As far as I know nothing has ever gone after them before so being overprotective was well worth it

 

[DuckyDonna]

We do keep eyes on the ducks the whole time they are loose in the yard because I'm always paranoid something will swoop in and try to get them. We do live right near a major airport so of course they are on alert for every plane that flies over too
I cant even imagine having to worry about eagles! I saw a bald eagle once in NY and they sure are big.

Hey Sara, I've had a couple of HUGE hawks do a recon flight over our new duck run recently. They were really really big. Mark saw them too. Not red-tail either. Maybe eagles Idk but I'd be really careful with that.

The netting is in the yard waiting for you to pick it up. You could attach it to trees even temporarily if you have to. I'd be really careful because since we've had no rain in months it might be affecting their food source.