ducks and hawks

[IndyGail]

I have only two pekin ducks. They are 4 weeks old. I also have two hawks in the hood that keep attacking people. My husband 4 times, me once, my son and other neighbors. When we go outside we wear a hat because the last attack gave me a terrible scalp infection.
How old do these chicks have to be before I can allow them to forage on their own in my open yard? When I am doing yard work they stay close and I can hear the hawk screeching and flying above us. Armed with a rake they tend to stay away. I would love to let the ducks out during the day while I work inside the house.
We live on a lake. Will they run off with the other ducks or stay close?

 

[sourland]

It is possible that you will never be able to free range the ducks unattended. These hawks appear to be human habituated and most likely have a nest in the area. They will be actively searching for prey for their young.

 

[PirateGirl]

I also live where there are hawks, and see several a day but have NEVER encountered one as aggressive as you describe. I would not free range at all as long as they are still living in the area.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I agree with the others, you would be playing Russian roulette letting them free range unattended. Best of luck.

 

[DuckyDonna]

Even if they hawks weren't attacking you, which is awful and I can't imagine, you will never be able to let your ducks outside unless you have a netting over where they are. You are going to need a fenced in, completely netted over the top run or your ducks will be dinner real quick!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

You worry about your ducks?! - I would be worried about you, your husband and especially any kids in the area! Those hawks need to go if they attack humans! I would contact Fish & Wildlife and file a complaint, as you said wounds, caused by bird of prey attacks often cause a nasty infection, let alone the possibility of loosing an eye, an ear or fingers.

 

[DuckyDonna]

You worry about your ducks?! - I would be worried about you, your husband and especially any kids in the area! Those hawks need to go if they attack humans! I would contact Fish & Wildlife and file a complaint, as you said wounds, caused by bird of prey attacks often cause a nasty infection, let alone the possibility of loosing an eye, an ear or fingers.

excellent point hillbilly!

 

[DrHawkeye07]

I doubt the any DNR or Fish and Game agency will do anything about relocating the hawks. They're protected, and most likely would just return. You're going to have to find a way to live with them. Hopefully next year they'll choose a different nesting location.

 

[DuckyDonna]

I doubt the any DNR or Fish and Game agency will do anything about relocating the hawks. They're protected, and most likely would just return. You're going to have to find a way to live with them. Hopefully next year they'll choose a different nesting location.

IDK, if hawks were swooping down and attacking me or my family which includes 2 dogs and 7 ducks I'm pretty sure I could come up with a solution that would solve that problem pretty darn fast!

 

[WannaBeHillBilly]

Source: http://icwdm.org/handbook/birds/HawksOwls.asp

All hawks and owls are federally protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (16 USC, 703-711). These laws strictly prohibit the capture, killing, or possession of hawks or owls without special permit. No permits are required to scare depredating migratory birds except for endangered or threatened species (see Table 1), including bald and golden eagles.

That »table 1« contains: California condor, Bald eagle, American peregrine falcon, Peregrine falcon, Hawaiian (lo) hawk, Everglade (snail kite) kite and Palau owl.
If it is a red-tail, it is not an endangered bird and can be removed in any way necessary. The safety of humans comes first. Even endangered species are being removed from airports, for example.