Best Defenses Against Hawks and Coyotes?

[Aquatic_blue]

I am a new chicken owner and thankfully have not lost any chickens. However, I want to of course reduce the possibility as any sensible chicken owner would. I have been in this area many years and I know that we have coyotes (I literally saw one taking a stroll down the road after we pulled up to the house two days ago) and they do come close to homes out here (apparently).

I also have notice there are many hawks nests in a tree beside a wash nearby. There have been hawks in this area for more than 10 years. They comfortably hunt in the area, I have seen them grab small birds from the air.

Right now since the chickens are not full grown, we keep them in the coop with a decent sized attached run that is plenty of room for 4 chickens. I do have hopes to let them free range around the yard while I am outside, but I worry about the hawks and considering a bigger enclosed run for the daytime to protect them.

I am not as concerned about coyotes because we have our property fenced with chain link all around and have recently fixed weak spots. It also seems the rabbits run in the yard at night to get away from the coyotes. But I hear coyotes can be rather persistent and now we have chickens in a coop in our yard so I am not sure what they might try.

We also live in a mobile home elevated above the ground. Are there any concerns about the chickens going underneath or will they be all right? I suppose I worry about snakes, but have never seen them under there. It is an older home and the skirting is no more as wear and tear over the years destroyed it. We are looking into replacing it, but it is not our first priority at this time.

Thanks =)

 

[Mvan42]

We also have hawks and many more predators here. If you are out side while they are free ranging and close a hawk may not bother the hens. We lost a 4 month old last year to one. No one was outside when it happened. Our rooster also helps aleart the hens when a predator (hawk) is close.. An enclosed run is the best to keep them safe. As for the Mobil home they should be fine they may go under if they find and opening large enough but should be fine. It will give them shade and cover from the predators.. Chickens eat snakes... at least smaller ones..

 

[Fairview01]

For hawks.

For coyotes

 

[Gitche Gumee Guy]

View attachment 1777472

For hawks.

View attachment 1777477
For coyotes

Just make sure you're not blasting protected raptors. In Michigan we have a 24/7 365 coyote season.

 

[Chickassan]

If the hawks have other stuff to eat birds, squirrels, etc your chickens are at least a little safer.
Right now is nesting season for the hawks and they're more after smaller meals they can take home.
As far as the chickens going under your trailer, they'll dig holes but they'll be fine.

 

[littlebarngirl]

Beware of the hawks! We lost our dear McMuffin last year due to a hawk attack. She had a stroke after the hawk tried to attack her spine. My daughter and i tried to rehabilitate her but she just wasn't strong enough. We have a game camera that films coyotes, bob cats, deer, boar and other wildlife outback around 4 am but none of them have attempted to break into the coop since my husband built it so tough! For now, my dog and I hang out with the chickens while they free range and so far the hawks that circle for dinner don't try to join us.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

View attachment 1777472

For hawks.

View attachment 1777477
For coyotes

In Massachusetts hawks and coyotes are protected. Shooting is a felony.

@Aquatic_blue, it depends on the size of the snake whether it is a threat to your chickens. I had the experience of a snake breaking into the hen house to steal eggs. As far as free ranging: I would suggest short supervised sessions. Hawks brooding their young are very good at bringing home a fresh meal and then there's the training to hunt stage. My area is a hawk breeding ground with occasional flybys of lovely bald eagles. I'm still trying to figure out the logistics of a little safe free ranging.

 

[Gitche Gumee Guy]

Actually in Massachusetts there is a coyote hunting season. It just isn't year round like in other states, and may be restricted in some parts of the state.

 

[Wee Farmer Sarah]

Actually in Massachusetts there is a coyote hunting season. It just isn't year round like in other states, and may be restricted in some parts of the state.

My apologies. I googled that and apparently there is one as long as you have taken all the required classes, have a hunting license and a special permit specifically for a coyote. I believe it would be very restrictive as the coyote population isn’t confined to rural areas. I hear of more sightings in urban areas around Boston.

 

[Fairview01]

In Massachusetts hawks and coyotes are protected. Shooting is a felony.

@Aquatic_blue, it depends on the size of the snake whether it is a threat to your chickens. I had the experience of a snake breaking into the hen house to steal eggs. As far as free ranging: I would suggest short supervised sessions. Hawks brooding their young are very good at bringing home a fresh meal and then there's the training to hunt stage. My area is a hawk breeding ground with occasional flybys of lovely bald eagles. I'm still trying to figure out the logistics of a little safe free ranging.

OP did not qualify 'Best Defense' with 'Best Legal Defense'.