BOLD hawk attack

[MyISAbrownhens]

Oh no! So glad everyone is ok, hawks can be real buggers sometimes, I have a similar problem too, we can’t let my hens free range because everyone time we try, they almost get swooped up by a hawk, even while supervised free ranging! We have to keep them in a 100 square feet run instead. So sorry this happened to you, it can be pretty freaky!

 

[Sassysouth]

I have never been able to let mine out without me right beside them. I had one swoop in out of nowhere with me a few feet away, luckily my girls were able to dart under the trees and through on old fence to the other side of the property. I had to chase the hawk away from a low branch. The hawks are always around looking for mice and they have a nest in our front yard. No way to get away from them here.

 

[deepbluesea]

Scary stuff! They are brazen, for sure. I lost one of my crested cream legbar pullets (RIP Honey) while I went into the kitchen to get them some treats. I had to chase it off with a 2x4 and a fire pit cover. The hawk let her go, but she still died. I kept them inside their run for a week after that.

Now they are back outside during the day, but MUCH more wary. They hang out in my overgrown hedge and listen closely to the alarm calls of the wild birds. And when I have days off, I sit out there with a book and alternate reading and glaring and/or yelling at the sky. My neighbors think I'm awesome.

 

[happyfrenchman]

You could have clipped him on that branch but you have to be ready...LOL... who knew.? I too once had pigeons and what Sourland says was also my experience.... right as you are standing there. They can be very brazen. He didn't get a meal so he might not be back but I too would leave them in for awhile.

I used to carry my rifle out to let the pigeons out. I finally gave them up as it was a losing battle. If I had a dime for every one I popped... , I would probably have enough for a Big Mac.