D': One of my girls just died :( killed by a hawk

[gpwelding1]

Quote:
Those birds are protected. You can get in a lot of trouble if you shoot one.

very true!i wouldnt risk doing that.the only way i know of to protect against a hawk is a covered run.

 

[deserthotwings]

Hawks are protected by The Federal Migratory Bird Act. If you get caught killing or traping one your in deep dodo. Best to keep your free ranging birds in the run this time of year. Especially if you live in the south. You just can't beat them, they WILL get your birds.

 

[Chick15]

Now we don't let them out of the run, but i feel bad because its pretty much just dirt in there, but it is covered and so they are safe. I also think the reason could be because we live in a wood, and the trees i think kind of gave them protection and so the birds of prey couldn't see so well, but now a majority of the leaves are off the trees so they could be seen better...



Anyone know any other deterrents? (other than a covered run, and shooting them which I cannot do because one i dont have a gun and 2 the NJ fish and wildlife services would kill me (we live in an area with many rare and endangered eagles and hawks.) )

 

[LesGan]

I too have hawks out in the woods where my chickens live and play, and I have taken these steps: I was told that in the Florida Keys where restaurants have open air eating areas that some have strung nylon fishing line above the outdoor areas in a criss cross pattern. The fishing line supposedly confuses the seagulls, etc. that would fly over the area and come down for food. I have a large outdoor fenced 40' by 60' area for my chickens surrounded by a 6 foot high fence. Being shorter than 6 feet tall I have strung fishing line back and forth across the top of the fence, and then I put several CD discs suspended on that line from shower hooks, and the CD's rotate in the wind. Knock on wood......so far so good. I also wondered about putting children's pin wheel wind toys in the general area also. I think anything that would "confuse" the birds of prey would help ward off attacks on our chickie babies. I am so sorry for your loss and good luck in the future.

 

[deserthotwings]

You always take a gamble when you let your birds run free. We live in the desert and have all types of critters that ocassionaly come around. I don't let my chickens out unless I'm watching over them. If you can pick up a bale of alfalfa hay or lawn clippings and keep a little in the run they will love you. Its no fun not having anything to pick at. Your getting some great advice from a lot of folks and I hope you don't have any more losses. Good Luck Amego