Deterring Birds of prey

[chickenmomma16]

This may be a silly question, but are there any poultry guardians that would deter birds of prey? I cannot have another dog so LGDs are out. Our place is not fenced so larger llamas and donkeys are out (Although they would be nice for the Coyotes!) I’ve heard Geese can be a deterrent? Is this true?
I have a breeding pair of Red Tailed Hawks very close to our place and they are constantly flying over. I’ve lost 2 chicks and they have dive-bombed my older birds. The occasional Eagle passes by too. I do have Coyotes/coons/opossum but my electrified poultry netting seems to keep them at bay. Any other suggestions? I absolutely cannot do Guineas.
My larger day run is much to big to cover with netting. They do have a smaller covered run that they are in when I’m not home/sleeping. But they are so much happier having access to the larger area.

 

[sourland]

In my experience raptors have been impossible to deter. The provision of hiding/escape places can help, but for a period of time experienced a goshawk that would actually pursue birds beneath the bushes.

 

[Vacman]

Not sure whether or not this works and I didn't buy it to deter attacks but I've installed one of those huge metal Tractor Supply roosters in my coop. I did have an aerial attack a few years ago and lost a Rhode Island Red. Haven't had another one since installing the metal rooster (scare rooster?) and I have 8 chicks in part of that orchard. I hope my luck continues. Anyone else seen a reduction in aerial attacks after install a huge rooster? My son says all it does is attract attention. I guess we'll see.

 

[cmom]

I have a lot of pens and they are all covered with netting. I don't know how big of an area you were considering but mine is 1200 sq ft.

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

With regard to your question about geese, it's possible that adult geese could deter raptors the size of hawks. They were very effective (no losses to hawks, which are plentiful here) when they ran with my ducks. Eagles prey on geese, though.

Geese running with your chickens would need to be raised with them, and there's no guarantee that they wouldn't pick on the chickens, especially during breeding season.

Given your situation, keeping your chickens confined in a secure run with aviary netting; in movable tractors; or getting an LGD seem like some viable options for keeping your flock safe. I use the first two options, after free ranging for a couple of years and experiencing sometimes heavy losses to foxes and hawks.

Best of luck!

 

[chickenmomma16]

In my experience raptors have been impossible to deter. The provision of hiding/escape places can help, but for a period of time experienced a goshawk that would actually pursue birds beneath the bushes.

Wow! Determined bird! Hiding spots may be a doable option.

I have a lot of pens and they are all covered with netting. I don't know how big of an area you were considering but mine is 1200 sq ft.
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I love your multiple pens! I unfortunately can’t have that many permanent runs. Right now they have 2 300+ft of poultry netting shaped into a teardrop pattern. I move the netting every couple months. I’m not sure if I could come up with a way to cover a large area using electric poultry fencing and bird netting.

With regard to your question about geese, it's possible that adult geese could deter raptors the size of hawks. They were very effective (no losses to hawks, which are plentiful here) when they ran with my ducks. Eagles prey on geese, though.

Geese running with your chickens would need to be raised with them, and there's no guarantee that they wouldn't pick on the chickens, especially during breeding season.

Given your situation, keeping your chickens confined in a secure run with aviary netting; in movable tractors; or getting an LGD seem like some viable options for keeping your flock safe. I use the first two options, after free ranging for a couple of years and experiencing sometimes heavy losses to foxes and hawks.

Best of luck!

Hmmm.. I had a feeling geese were ”moody”. I’d have a LGD in a heart beat if it was possible! Hubby talked about doing some tractors inside our poultry netting for at least some of my breeding groups (I raise Wheaten Ameraucanas)