Chickens paralyzed from fear?

[Barredrocker99]

I agree with Mary, keeping them in longer rather than a shorter time is probably better. Give whatever it was time to scope out a new territory to hunt.

I'm not sure when hawk migration time is in Massachusetts but it could just be one passing through. People often have problems in migration times than otherwise.

Good luck.

Unfortunately I do believe the hawks live in a tree right in my backyard. They’ve yet to go after any of the chickens, but it does seem like they’re starting to acknowledge them.

 

[Barredrocker99]

I'd keep them in longer than a couple of days; ten to fourteen days is better if there is a raptor scoping them out. At least be out with them and see what's going on.
Depending on circumstance, during ground predator attacks, some birds will fly up into trees, and some will crouch on the ground. Freezing in place usually isn't a good thing if it's a canine!
Your dog is really helpful out there, but may not react to hawks as if it's a problem, at least that first time. Dogs tend to do best against ground predators.
Mary

I do believe it was some type of raptor. Unfortunately I’m pretty positive the hawks have a nest in a tree right in my backyard, so I can’t really just wait it out for it to migrate... They’ve yet to go after my chickens but after yesterday I’m starting to think it may happen. Any advice on what to do if it lives here and isn’t just passing through looking for a meal?

 

[Ascholten]

There is not much you can do. Hawks are federally protected, and getting a permit to kill them is a big pain in the rear end. If the chickens are smart enough to recognize the hazard, they may be safe, I mean afterall, they lived millions of years with hawks already right?

I have the same problem here and essentially after posting here and talking to many farmer friends I guess you could classify them as... was told, if the chickens are not afraid now, it's because they never seen any danger or have any 'flock mates' to yell DANGER. Also was told, once they see one of their buddies get snatched up and eaten by a hawk, they will learn and run and hide from that point on. Hopefully that does not happen, nobody wants to see that but if it does, then, it should happen only ONCE. If the hawks are nesting, they are not going anywhere anytime soon, so you'll have to deal with them.

Aaron