Despair

[Cobean469]

Hey guys, sad day today my broody mama amrecauna got hawked right after her babies hatched the chicks are fine but she was a good bird and layed nice blue eggs so
In memoriam
Pam- 20/21
(She's the one on the branch)

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Condolences on your loss. She was a lovely bird and clearly a good mama.

After numerous losses to foxes and hawks, my chickens no longer free range...and I haven't lost any since moving to secure runs only.

 

[DobieLover]

She was beautiful. I'm so sorry for your loss.

 

[Cobean469]

Condolences on your loss. She was a lovely bird and clearly a good mama.

After numerous losses to foxes and hawks, my chickens no longer free range...and I haven't lost any since moving to secure runs only.

Ours also free range they like it and this actually the first hawk we got but it's fun to watch them forage and move around but any tips for another attack? Since birds are more vulnerable to kicks and the like would it be advisable to do that to a hawk on my birds?

 

[cmom]

So sorry for your loss. I don't know how long you have had your birds and maybe they haven't been discovered yet by predators. I haven't free ranged for years because of losses from both aerial and ground predators. I have nice large covered pens for my birds. I have a lot of protections for my birds. The predator know and don't even try to get to the birds anymore. I do see predators most nights when they roam here on my game cameras. I have had issues during the day too in the past but no more. There are ways to entertain the birds without free ranging. My birds are happy in their pens. When I have let them out it isn't long before they all find their way back into the pens. I think they feel it is their safe place. Free ranging is a risk you take. The hawk will be back. Good luck with the chicks and have fun...

 

[McChooky]

Condolences on your loss. She was a lovely bird and clearly a good mama.

After numerous losses to foxes and hawks, my chickens no longer free range...and I haven't lost any since moving to secure runs only.

I have bears, bob cats and coyotes so I've got to get ann electric fence put up soon. My chickens saving grace is a 128 sq ft 8 x 16 run attached to another one thats 48 sq ft.

My chickens aren't harassed,chased, killed or eaten by predators .My little flock of 6 hens sing and "bawk bawk" all day long and don't miss what they've never had .I'm glad because I'd miss them if any of them were gone. The decision to put my chickens up in enclosed pens was made 45 yrs ago when a Hawk swooped down & flew off with dads favorite hen. He was crushed.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

I have bears, bob cats and coyotes so I've got to get ann electric fence put up soon. My chickens saving grace is a 128 sq ft 8 x 16 run attached to another one thats 48 sq ft.

My chickens aren't harassed,chased, killed or eaten by predators .My little flock of 6 hens sing and "bawk bawk" all day long and don't miss what they've never had .I'm glad because I'd miss them if any of them were gone. The decision to put my chickens up in enclosed pens was made 45 yrs ago when a Hawk swooped down & flew off with dads favorite hen. He was crushed.

And, sadly, that's what always seems to happen...it's the pullet that just began laying, the friendliest hen, the best rooster that the hawks seem to target. I grew tired of the boldness of the hawks - literally sitting in a tree in the morning as if waiting for a meal - and decided that the sacrifice of true free ranging, with its inherent risks, was worthwhile for my peace of mind.

Nice setup! I don't have to contend with bears or bobcats here, but there are coyotes aplenty (and occasional roaming dogs ). Best wishes for your girls to live long, happy lives in their secure home!

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Ours also free range they like it and this actually the first hawk we got but it's fun to watch them forage and move around but any tips for another attack? Since birds are more vulnerable to kicks and the like would it be advisable to do that to a hawk on my birds?

Some folks who free range provide places (like shrubs and other types of cover) for their poultry to hide under to try to evade an aerial predator, but it's still going to be risky and it won't help if the predator is on the ground (like a fox).

Before deciding I'd had too many losses, I tried tying CDs and reflective strips in areas where I'd seen hawks, using fake owls, etc., and none of those deterrents worked for any length of time. Because of raptors' legal protections, poultry keepers' options for dealing with hawks attacking chickens are limited. Keeping hawks out via a physical barrier like hardware cloth really seems like a very effective and practical approach.

 

[McChooky]

Some folks who free range provide places (like shrubs and other types of cover) for their poultry to hide under to try to evade an aerial predator, but it's still going to be risky and it won't help if the predator is on the ground (like a fox).

Before deciding I'd had too many losses, I tried tying CDs and reflective strips in areas where I'd seen hawks, using fake owls, etc., and none of those deterrents worked for any length of time. Because of raptors' legal protections, poultry keepers' options for dealing with hawks attacking chickens are limited. Keeping hawks out via a physical barrier like hardware cloth really seems like a very effective and practical approach.

Lowes has some on clearance if people haven't bought it all too.I got enough to cover the top of a 8 x 16 run for less than what chicken wire cost.My hens love their run I keep clean straw in it .They even have a compost pile Lol

 

[McChooky]

And, sadly, that's what always seems to happen...it's the pullet that just began laying, the friendliest hen, the best rooster that the hawks seem to target. I grew tired of the boldness of the hawks - literally sitting in a tree in the morning as if waiting for a meal - and decided that the sacrifice of true free ranging, with its inherent risks, was worthwhile for my peace of mind.

Nice setup! I don't have to contend with bears or bobcats here, but there are coyotes aplenty (and occasional roaming dogs ). Best wishes for your girls to live long, happy lives in their secure home!

Thanks ! I appreciate you sharing your experience free ranging chickens. It gives me peace of mind knowing I don't have to fear for my chickens safety either.I wish these little babies hadn't lost their momma so soon! .