Cats and Hawks

[chickaddict]

I freerange 9 hens. My property is surrounded by a 6ft chain link fence. 4 of my girls were born in April. As of today I have 1 babygirl left. My 2 baby black australorps were killed for fun by a neighborhood cat. Today the baby buff orp was snagged by a hawk. No, i'm not done crying yet.

I have 2 cats who know better than to chase the girls. What should a chicken owner do when faced with a neighborhood cat that does not recognize bounderies. If the cat enters my property to kill my girls do i have the right to kill since it is endangering my pets?????

Hawks!!!!! they have been circling my backyard for months this was the first time any one of them has been successful. Are Hawks endangered? Is there something I can put in my yard to deter them?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

If the cat enters my property to kill my girls do i have the right to kill since it is endangering my pets?????

You need to check your local laws.​

 

[kidd42]

The hawks are protected. But the cats I would shoot or live trap and take them far away.

 

[AngieChick]

You will need to cover your run to deter the hawks. Some people have had luck with making sure the birds have adequate hiding places, but a good covered run is really your only sure protection.

As for the cat, I would live trap it and take it to the humane society.

 

[scooter147]

You will need to build a run and cover, deer netting has worked well for me for years. If you have hawks they will try and try and try and eventually are successful. I read somewhere that a hawk is only successful on about 15% of it's attempts.

As far as the cat, SSS