I know it's a risk of free range, but it still bums me out. An additional hen is missing but I'm hoping she in hiding and will show up tomorrow. I got home late afternoon and looked out the office window to see a mess of feathers and a hawk sitting on top of the hen. One more hawk was in a nearby tree. The chickens- now 19 of them- were hiding under a cedar tree and were in distress; squawking and such. The hen got a decent burial in the woods. After I chased off the raptors the rest of the group came from the tree and headed for the coop. I thought I'd keep them locked up for a day or so in hopes that the predators go elsewhere. Next project is research on scaring off hawks... I've heard of aluminum discs, fake owls, stringing fishing line around the area- not real practical as these gals roam a couple of acres.
Sorry to be blunt about this, but the only way to keep hawks from eating your chickens is with a shotgun. Yes, it's illegal, but I was told by officials that protecting your stock is a priority, and as long as you don't shoot it then take a picture of your kill and post it on the courthouse steps, there isn't a problem with shooting predators.
I have lost two to a hawk and there was 1 1/2 years in between. I have lots of crows around and I have watched them swarm a hawk. I once saw a hawk sitting on a telephone poll I made a "caw caw" sound and it flew off. My husband couldn't believe it was me. I told me it is amazing what you can do to protect your birds. I am sorry for your loss it really is a bummer for sure.
