Deterring Gosh Hawks...

[Hopperkiller]

We had a redtailed hawk land and run after chickens under our overgrown erosion rose bush. Chickens had trails in there and raised a ruckus causing my wife to check. Hawk came out from under bush and hung aound until he landed on the dog fence. They convinced him to leave. They show up a bunch but are skittish and fly away when we come out. My chickens use my large shrubs but that doesnt stop coyotes.

 

[lazy gardener]

Until I put up my covered run (I was previously using electronet) I lost 3 full sized LF birds to Northern Goshawk in about a 3 week time span. And, my flock had plenty of natural cover. They were always taken OUTSIDE the electronet, when they were free ranging. Since then, I have been over-run by hawks of all species, including Goshawk and Red Tails. Also have lots of Turkey Vultures every summer, and had never even seen one until 2 years ago. I'm told that a turkey vulture will not kill a chicken, but, when I see 5 of them wheeling around over my flock, it makes me wonder how true that statement is.

 

[canalcolt]

Until I put up my covered run (I was previously using electronet) I lost 3 full sized LF birds to Northern Goshawk in about a 3 week time span. And, my flock had plenty of natural cover. They were always taken OUTSIDE the electronet, when they were free ranging. Since then, I have been over-run by hawks of all species, including Goshawk and Red Tails. Also have lots of Turkey Vultures every summer, and had never even seen one until 2 years ago. I'm told that a turkey vulture will not kill a chicken, but, when I see 5 of them wheeling around over my flock, it makes me wonder how true that statement is.

I used to freak out with vultures. I have turkey vultures and black vultures. But I have never seen them harass or mess with my chickens. They have came down and pecked at a ham hock that my chickens were finished with. But I have heard they will eat chicks and newborn goats.

 

[XanderWiFi]

I watched some crows chasing a red tail over my yard the other day while I was watching my flock free range. I only allow my girls to free range if I am out there with them. And if I am out there with them I have something holstered on my hip.

Cannot tell you how liberating it feels to be able to reach down and grab the grip knowing you have at least some method of protecting yourself or your flock/children in the event of a predator. I am working on encouraging my wife to take up the same habit.

 

[BennieAnTheJets]

we have used these and now the wild birds seem to have learned to avoid our guineas - when the guineas scream, I come running out and first call to the birds to move along (crow call) and then fire a shot (not to hurt them but to scare them off) it works - you have to check local laws to make sure you are in compliance before getting one of these and it takes some time in the beginning but it works - some - you still need to be careful

https://reedjoseph.com/products/pyrotechnics/pyrotechnic-launchers/double-shot-launcher/

we use both the sirens (mimics an angry bird mom defending her nest) and the bangers

sirens reach about 200 feet, bangers only about 50 - good for hawks sitting in a tree stalking the birds - bang close to them, but not right at them so they don't get hurt - they don't like to be found out and usually don't try to stalk the birds again for a good long time

never failed to make a bird of prey move off - when you do it consistently they get the message that the guineas are too much trouble and they look for easier targets - that's the idea anyway

nothing is 100%

I think our hawks know that they can hunt here in the morning, when our birds are inside - when our birds come out, they are protected by me =]

 

[HereChickChickChick88]

Not to derail but this made me laugh.

Me too

 

[Hopperkiller]

Dont worry about the vultures, we have loads of them. The only bother to the chickens is the panic when they swoop low or land on a close power pole or building. The circling is just riding the wind and thermals.