Do black chickens deter from hawks?

[roberthleeii]

Does keeping black chickens help protect from hawks?

I am getting ready to do a major flock expansion this summer as I built my ultimate chicken coop. I read on a couple of places that black birds / crows are enemies of hawks typically scare the hawks away and that the hawks confuse black chickens for crows acting as a hawk deterrent. My chickens free range almost every day and I want to be proactive about trying to protect them. I was going to buy Welsummers and Buff Orpingtons but if I can get some protection by buying a couple of black chicks I might do that. Please let me know if this is a good idea or just dumb. (if this is a good idea recommendations of black breeds would be appreciated)

Thanks in advance,

 

[RoyalChick]

I love black chickens because I like their looks. And they can look very crow-like. However I really doubt they would fool a hawk.
I am not speaking with any knowledge here but I would not rely on it.
Of course you should get some black chickens because they are beautiful!

 

[Chicks in VA]

Does keeping black chickens help protect from hawks?

I am getting ready to do a major flock expansion this summer as I built my ultimate chicken coop. I read on a couple of places that black birds / crows are enemies of hawks typically scare the hawks away and that the hawks confuse black chickens for crows acting as a hawk deterrent. My chickens free range almost every day and I want to be proactive about trying to protect them. I was going to buy Welsummers and Buff Orpingtons but if I can get some protection by buying a couple of black chicks I might do that. Please let me know if this is a good idea or just dumb. (if this is a good idea recommendations of black breeds would be appreciated)

Thanks in advance,

I have a few black chickens and free range I have never had a problem , but that being said there is plenty of food other than chickens for the hawks, so I would they might help I have no proven answer, so it probably would help but there is no guarantee

 

[Folly's place]

I don't think color really matters at all. An individual hawk might favor one over another, but a raptor who can see mice from above isn't going to be fooled by the color of a chicken! Most of our losses to raptors have been youngsters and/ or bantams, most of whom are 'camo colored'.
This winter we lost two white standard hens to a Cooper's hawk, the first time ever we lost standard hens to a raptor. This hawk seems to select these hens on purpose too.
We have more than the usual number of raptors flying/ hunting here right now, and our flock is locked in because of this. Coopers hawks, red tailed hawks, and a harrier. All beautiful, and hungry!
Mary

 

[MountainWoman73]

Nope, no benefit/difference. I do have a feeling that white birds get picked off more because they're so visible, but my hawk likes my marans just as well as any others.

 

[Painted Calls]

I don't think color really matters at all. An individual hawk might favor one over another, but a raptor who can see mice from above isn't going to be fooled by the color of a chicken!

Agreed!

 

[ShrekDawg]

I’ve had a hawk take a black chicken before so I’m gonna say no.

 

[puddle_drinker]

Does keeping black chickens help protect from hawks?

Keeping black Jersey Giant roosters help protect from hawks!

 

[froggyphore]

The first chicken I lost to a hawk was a black Jersey Giant so I doubt it. Kind of sounds like a wives' tale.

 

[Farmgirl283420]

The first chicken I lost to a hawk was a black Jersey Giant so I doubt it. Kind of sounds like a wives' tale.

Lol probably!!!