Can Eagles And Hawks Get My Chickens?

[Paul333]

I built this coop , I am completly new at this I have 4 small chicks. I am thinking of Fencing in an area around the coop and run for when I am out there or the kids are out there I can let them rome around I have that 6 ft. stockade and was thinking of ataching 48" wire fence to circle in the area. What does everyone think??? I know when they are chicks they will be eaten but how about adults? I already have a red hawk just waiting for them

. How high can they jump as adults would 48" be high enough. I live in South West FL and have Eagles Hawks Ospreys Owls exc...????

 

[2DogsCoop]

Where in SW Florida, I am in Naples the Golden Gate Estate area!

 

[al6517]

It looks like your coop/run is covered and that's good, but once you let them out and you walk off then Botta Bing yes they will swoop in and grad one even as an adult bird. But if you are outside and nearby and there are things going on they shouldn't dive bomb them.

AL

 

[BarefootMom]

Eagles and Hawks can pick up adult birds.

Last summer I had the people door open because it was so hot in the hen house (I need to make a wire door...) anywho, a hawk flew into the coop and killed 3 of my hens and carried 1 of them into the field. and I was outside witnessing the whole episode. We have a lot of hawks around here though, they sit in the trees in the yard and in the treeline behind the house. Earlier this year I saw an eagle swoop down and pick up a bunny from the middle of the road like nothing ever happened. It was crazy.

But in my theory it is better to take the chance than keep the chickens cooped up all day. My chickens free range and I have lost a few to hawks, coyotes, neighbor dogs, and other things but I think my chickens are happy being able to peck and scratch in the haypiles in the pasture and go wherever they choose.

 

[Paul333]

Venice Florida

 

[Judy]

Oh yeah. But I have hawks nesting maybe 200' from my coop and only once in a few years have I even seen one watching them. I hear an owl or two hooting now and then, and have never even seen one on my property. I guess they have easier prey around; we have lots of field mice, rabbits, etc. Osprey are fish eaters. Like any hungry animal I'm sure they will take most anything in a pinch, but I'd also bet they will generally stick to fish.

 

[mediazeal]

yes, hawks and especially eagles will kill and eat chickens
I found a half of one of my chickens in my yard a few weeks ago from a hawk attack while they were free ranging
a covered run is your only hawk protection
go over to the predators and pests thread
lots of info on hawks and ideas on what to do

 

[elmo]

Quote:
Don't count on your presence stopping a hungry hawk from grabbing a chicken dinner. I've read more than one account from people who've had hawks attack their chicken right in front of them.

We watched a big redtail eat a squirrel right on our front lawn last week, not three feet from the driveway. We were in the car, but rolled down the window. The hawk wasn't the least bit intimidated by us, but I will admit to being intimidated by it. At that close range, you can easily see just how razor sharp a hawk's beak and talons are. Yikes!

 

[chick-in-florida]

i'm in port charlotte, florida!

yes absolutely those hawks will come down. i had one try it with me and the dog in the yard! even with a whole lot of tree cover. they are just hungry i guess. we were lucky that time. the other night i looked out to see an owl staring in at my brooder in the lanai. and there are bobcats all over too. it seems chickens have more predators than anything! you have a great setup but never underestimate the predators. including your neighbors dogs...man oh man do i hate pit bulls who climb fences...

 

[chick-in-florida]

oh by the way paul, you know you're going to want more than four chicks...