Bold Hawk - Lesson Learned

[chicknmania]

Also, forgot to say that wherever we hang those reflective devices, we have observed that the hawks will not go there. Problem is we have so much land that we can't hang the things everywhere, just in the areas where they're most likely to hit...so it isn't totally foolproof but it really does help.

 

[Ms~Silkie~Girl]

Im so sorry

 

[Davaroo]

Something you may wish to consider is to turn the chicken area of our yard into a "jungle." Add shrubbery, shelters and other sorts of cover.

Hawks generally attack where there are open flight areas. If you add shrubs and shelters, the chickens can duck in and under these - and the hawk misses. Eventually they look elsewhere for a meal.

Coupled with the dangly, shiny deterrents, it might do the trick.

 

[joebryant]

OMG, that's terrible! If that'd happened to me, I'd've had a nervous breakdown on the spot. Hope you recover from the experienced quickly.

 

[they'reHISchickens]

We are close to a woods area in the country and see hawks flying. We have also seen CROWS chasing the hawks away! So when I see a crow sitting guard in the far high treetop, I know it is safe for the chickens.
OTOH, last week the mockingbirds were chasing the crows from the front yard.

Our chickens free-range when we are home. We have a very alert rooster and he does a good job protecting the girls. Plus we have lots of shrubs to hide in.
And I still worry about hawks.

 

[Buster52]

Quote:
Do weeds count?

 

[Quillgirl]

The girls do have a covered run that's somewhat roomy, on dirt, and has vegetation to munch on. Their coop/run is at the back of our grassy area at the edge of the woodsy area, with a lot of trees and low canopy brush and hiding areas: lots of deep ivy, leaves, azaleas, sasanquas, beauty berries, and other shrubs. That's what gave me the false sense of safety. Unfortunately there is a clear perimeter around the coop that's maybe 2-3 feet wide and that's where the hawk snagged the hen. She had sprinted toward the coop into the narrow cleared area and the hawk dove out of nowhere (probably sitting up in a tree watching for awhile) and took her so quickly.

The hens will have to stay in their secure run and coop until I rig a foraging area for them. Thanks for the condolences. It's nice to have folks who understand about the whole chicken thing!

(And I would never hurt the hawks, despite being frustrated with them at the moment. Like I said, I don't blame them. I blame me.)

 

[Davaroo]

Quote:
Do weeds count?

I wish!

But, sorry not your average "garden variety" weed. Tall weeds, like head high, in large groups and stands would suffice - but who wants to look at those in their yard.

 

[Lu King]

Our county agent said that only "some" hawks are protected. You might call your agent and find out which ones are protected. In my opinion, none of them should be whether they have families are not. My turkeys and chickens cost me a lot of money and if anything tries to get to my poultry, I should be allowed to kill it.

 

[joebryant]

Quote:
I agree 100%, but I think your county agent is wrong. All hawks are protected by the Migratory Bird Act, an outdated law in my estimation. If you have a LARGE chicken enterprise, you can usually get a permit to kill specific hawk breeds; however, small flock owners invariably get the "try other methods" runaround from the government.