First hawk attack

[Jessd0911]

We had our first attack and it was terrifying. I was standing about 10 ft from where it happened on the patio and the birds were next to me on the grass between house and trees. A hawk came out of nowhere and landed on one of my hens. I screamed so loud and started running toward and thankfully the hawk let go and flew away. It took forever to get my 16 birds back to their coop as we were enjoying some free range time around 5p. When I counted I only had 15. After more searching I found my girl that got attacked hiding in my basement. I had the door open when it happened. She was missing a good bit of feathers on the neck and didn’t seem great but thankfully the next day she was back to normal!

I knew this was a concern but honestly now that my chickens are a bit larger I truly didn’t think I had to worry as much especially with me being right next to them! I’m so scared for future freedom runs and wonder how I should handle. I’d love some advice from anyone willing to provide!

 

[lagrange chicks]

The only advise I have is free ranging = loss. As you saw yourself being out with them and it happened. I knew in the beginning free ranging would never work where I live due to the number of predators here. I only have 7 chickens for eggs and to lose any cuts the egg count. To me they are kind of a investment (money-time) I protect.

 

[SamLockwood]

There's a variety of ways you can reduce the risks of free-ranging but it will never be zero. If any losses at all are intolerable to you, don't free-range.

 

[Duckasana]

Guardgeese would honk or scream the hell out of nearly all aerial predators! (Usually before they even get close unless they're busy eating or playing with the human)

I had an golden eagle come swooping down just above my apple tree to grab a duck but my 2 ganders screamed the hell out of the predator(deafening loud) and it flew away. They could also put up a fight if it flew close enough.

 

[TexasTurkeyMama]

Guineafowl will screech their alarm and continue to screech until the overhead leaves.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Do you have an enclosed run? My advice is to keep your birds enclosed for at least a week. Often the hawk will move on to hunt elsewhere when it sees your chickens are no longer available. But remain vigilant.

 

[KyCoop]

How old are your birds? Are they still peeping ? Like baby noises?
I piece of advice I can give is don't free range peepers. That sound is IRRESISTIBLE to predators. Makes them fearless for a chicken snack.

Wait until they are full grown ladies if that is the case. Still not "safe" free ranging but less likely to draw attention to themselves.

 

[NewcoopNewpoop]

I just had a fox come in today while I was watching my girls free range. Luckily my hens saw it first and vocalized a gurbling type of sound. Not the typical predator purr/trill. They looked tense so i looked up and took notice. I could see the fox bounding towards them through the woods and shouted and ran towards it.
I guess my tip would be to pay close attention to your chickens vocalizations and body language and their surroundings. And to keep sticking close by. Essentially you become a giant human rooster.

Also, hawks usually post up in trees watching their prey for a while before striking.

 

[KyCoop]

Chickens have different alarms for different threats.
Ground v/s Arial and Something is close v/s It's here run for your life!
Chickens are really cool when you spend a lot of time with them and see this in action.