Do hawks return after a kill?

[berkchicks]

I know foxes and the like will usually return to the place where they originally found the chickens.

Do hawks do that?

We had an attack that I am thinking was a hawk about a week ago.

Not that I’m going to let my “guard down” but just curious…

Thanks!!

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Oh ya... hawks know where the buffet is just like any other animal. They are probably watching RIGHT now. They are masters of ambush attack.

I shepherd my flock and have had some hawks that would would wait and watch for weeks on end, with never a successful attack. They are patient. They still didn't move on until I constantly gave away their presence acting a fool waving my hands and rooster screeching at them... copying the behavior I observed in crows trying to run them off... noting crows steal chicks and eggs as well when the opportunity presents itself.

 

[IamRainey]

I know I originally intended to let my chickens free range but when the hawks discovered they were there they started taking up close positions about the time I'd let the hens out. That was the end of free ranging at my house.

Birds are pretty smart. They know where the meals come from. I don't know why your hawks wouldn't be back.

 

[Shadrach]

It depends on the type of hawk among other factors.

 

[keesmom]

I have had them do so.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

That was the end of free ranging at my house.

It's a very personal choice... free range for over 10 years in heavy predator load area... and only lost 3 chicks one year that were being raised by a broody.

I might go into lock down... early in the season if I have tons of hatchlings but other natural prey birds and such are not yet available to the predators. My load varies by season. When one is watching with intent, lock down for a few days is USUALLY enough to send them on their way to greener pastures so to speak. Come to think of it the birds raiding my crops also vary by season... more likely to raid my early crops and cause less damage as more items come available on the natural menu.

If I felt the need to stay in confinement full time... I MIGHT not keep birds anymore. That isn't to say that I think folks who do are in ANY way in the wrong or worse than factory conditions or that it's cruel in any way. Confined birds can be perfectly happy and healthy... it's me, I'm not that good of a keeper... or rather I like cleaning as minimal as possible. So for ME free range daytime and secure nighttime shelter are my best options.

It's good to know your personal challenges and what you can or cannot accept. That has changed for me throughout my adventure and I think will continue to. I often start with certain intentions, but adjust as needed.