Devastating loss. Graphic pictures please help!

[centrarchid]

With hen only flocks be targeted, pen them up. Sometimes the Coopers are migrants so will move on if not getting something while working a local circuit. Here I have migrants (juveniles mostly) in fall and spring with adults being local year round. They hunt songbirds right through pens and free-ranging flocks daily but do not target chickens as roosters even though not able to get at hawk scare it.

 

[HeatherTheMommy]

I had a rooster too and rehomed it because the crowing made my dogs go crazy all day. May have to get another hes been hanging around all day coming back down and watching my birds

 

[centrarchid]

Get a physically active breed that does not have vision issues imposed by fancy feathering. It need to be fully adult and will have to be settled in before it will provide benefits. Since hawk getting you other critters like foxes and coyotes will still be a issue. Roosters are good for only a very specific predator and you currently have it.

 

[HeatherTheMommy]

I had a blue rooster. Believe it was a hamburg. Are dominiques commonly attacked my hawks? The hawk keeps coming down walking around my coop and run waiting for the hens to come out

 

[enola]

A hungry Cooper's hawk is not concerned what breed the chicken is.

My daughter had a Cooper's hawk attack. He actually chased her game hen right through the chicken door into the chicken house. Her game rooster cornered the hawk and gave him what-for! The hawk's wing was broken, the hen died later from a wound that was not taken care of properly. The rooster was not harmed.

 

[HeatherTheMommy]

Hmmm so what kind of rooster do I get and how do I add one? Do i get one as a chick? Should have never gotten rid of the one i had

 

[enola]

If you want instant protection, an adult rooster is necessary. Game roosters are a very good choice. I am not sure where you could get one.

It may take a period of time for him to adjust to his new environment, but once his confidence is back, he will get down to business.

How many hens do you have now?

And remember, he may very well lose his life protecting your hens.

 

[HeatherTheMommy]

How do you add one to your flock? I know they can kill hens.

 

[enola]

What can kill your hens?

 

[HeatherTheMommy]

I know some roosters can kill hens that challenge them. Wondering how it woll work adding a full grown rooster to a flock of 11 hens. 2 buff orpingtons, 2 light brahmas, 1 buff brahma, 1 silver laced wyandotte, 1 production red, 1 australorp, 1 welsummer, 1 white EE and 1 white silkie.