falcon

[JAE1974]

Morning. I have a flock of five(5) hens of assorted breeds that are 13 - 14 weeks old. I have no rooster due to city ordinance. they are in a secure coop except for when I let them out for some supervised free ranging. Yesterday, I noticed a large falcon in the area. The longer the day went on, the falcon went from in the area to paying a lot of attention to my coop, to the point of perching close and watching my girls. I only allow them out to range when I am in the yard with them. Is my obvious presence with my girls enough to deter this falcon from attacking? Thanks in advance for any advice or shared experience.

 

[Trish1974]

Do you know exactly what kind of falcon or hawk it is? Proper i.d. of BOPs is important - as some bother chickens and some don't.

 

[JAE1974]

Do you know exactly what kind of falcon or hawk it is? Proper i.d. of BOPs is important - as some bother chickens and some don't.

Not sure on breed, but it is a larger falcon and definitely a falcon. I did an internet search, but nothing was obvious. I will try to get a better look if he is still around this evening.

 

[PirateGirl]

You being in the yard with the flock is NOT enough to deter a hungry bird of prey. We had a bald eagle staking out our flock this weekend and my husband and I quickly rounded up all the birds and cats back indoors to safety. Hopefully your falcon finds an easy meal elsewhere and moves on.

 

[JAE1974]

You being in the yard with the flock is NOT enough to deter a hungry bird of prey. We had a bald eagle staking out our flock this weekend and my husband and I quickly rounded up all the birds and cats back indoors to safety. Hopefully your falcon finds an easy meal elsewhere and moves on.

That was what I was thinking too. Thank you.

 

[centrarchid]

When I am watching free-ranging flock, as doing as I type, simply watching is not effective. When a predator calls and I see it either making or getting ready to make a move on my birds, I get off my backside making myself known and move to position myself between threat and flock. The predator will break off, if not I push point by getting in the predators personal space. Contact will not be ruled out. The occurs very rarely even having the predator visit and I am a watcher.

 

[bobby2fish]

When I am watching free-ranging flock, as doing as I type, simply watching is not effective. When a predator calls and I see it either making or getting ready to make a move on my birds, I get off my backside making myself known and move to position myself between threat and flock. The predator will break off, if not I push point by getting in the predators personal space. Contact will not be ruled out. The occurs very rarely even having the predator visit and I am a watcher.

There are some chickens who are happy to go one on one with an equal size hawk. Also do not underestimate the power of your intention. Next time you see the preditor, with a calm and serious voice, tell it about your BB gun.
Good luck.

 

[Folly's place]

Don't bother threatening any raptor with your gun, because it's so illegal to attack one.
When a hawk visits here, my birds are kept in their coop and safe run for two weeks or more, until that bird gives up and moves on.
You might get lucky and stop an attack in progress, but don't count on it! Have you seen falcons in action? WAY faster than any of us!
Your chicks are prime raptor dinners; small and dumb. Keep them inside!
Mary

 

[centrarchid]

I have seen them in action first hand many times because I listen and look. Then I get off my duff.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm not so young, and slow, and haven't ever been in the right place at the right time to prevent an attack by a hawk, much less a falcon.
Mary