Cooper Hawks in pa

[czeck23]

Hi- I am wondering if anyone has any good hawk deterrents. My flock is dropping like flies

. I've never had a hawk problem in the passed- here they seem relentless! Even with a cat and 3 big dogs around! Generally, I let them free range during the day while I am around. And coop them at night of course. I've read an owl decoy may work- anyone have luck with that?
Thank you!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

Welcome to BYC!

Sorry, can't help with the hawk issues. Posting in the "predators and pests" section of the forum may return you with more responses.

Good luck, sorry for all the losses!

 

[czeck23]

Ok- still new at navigating this page. Thanks!

 

[drumstick diva]

Apparently it is not safe to free range your birds. If you want to keep them safe from hawks you will need a large , covered run for them. Crows will mob hawks but, if you attract them then you'll be stuck with crows.

 

[drumstick diva]

ps I'm not very good with computers either BUT, you can get to places by putting the topic in the search box. for instance "Predator threads" and it will come up. Hope this helps.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

I have a Cooper's Hawk in my area and I had to put up a fence with a netted top. If you want the best info, I would recommend posting in the "Predators & Pests" section.

 

[N F C]

We have hawks here too...most of North America does, I believe. To protect my flock, I have a very large covered run. When I let them out a couple times a day, I'm out there with them. I've noticed the hawks are mostly out hunting during the early morning and late afternoon/early evening so I don't let the chickens out during that time.

Hawks (like a lot of other predators) will keep hanging around once they find where they can get a meal. If you plan on continuing to free range, you will lose some birds occasionally. For some people, that's acceptable...for others, it is not. It's a decision you have to make yourself.

Good luck!

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

We have hawks here too...most of North America does, I believe. To protect my flock, I have a very large covered run. When I let them out a couple times a day, I'm out there with them. I've noticed the hawks are mostly out hunting during the early morning and late afternoon/early evening so I don't let the chickens out during that time.

Hawks (like a lot of other predators) will keep hanging around once they find where they can get a meal. If you plan on continuing to free range, you will lose some birds occasionally. For some people, that's acceptable...for others, it is not. It's a decision you have to make yourself.

Good luck!

Having a dog around the flock while free ranging seems to deter predators too. A chicken friendly dog, that is!

 

[N F C]

Having a dog around the flock while free ranging seems to deter predators too. A chicken friendly dog, that is!

I don't have a dog...does my husband count?

 

[sunny & the 5 egg layers]

I don't have a dog...does my husband count?

Depends, is he good at barking?