First hawk attack!!

[ninabeast]

Oh, my heart!

I went out to check on my free ranging girls at 2 this afternoon, and saw a hawk swoop down over one of our small woods, one where the girls hang out. I didn't get a clear look, but I'd say the wingspan was about 3 feet, the under feathers were white, and the feathers on top of the wings appears to be beige/tan. I know it's migration time, and that could account for this unusual activity (we have a lot of crows here, and I don't generally see hawks on the property), and I hope they move on soon.

The short story is that all my girls are safe (if shaken) and in their run. They did everything right to protect themselves.

The long, long, loooong story is here: http://heedleyshens.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/first-hawk-attack/

 

[Kevin565]

Glad Everyone's safe

 

[flowergirl60]

What a close call. I'm glad all is OK. I think chichens aren't all that dumb. When I'm not out with mine and I look out the window to check on them they pretty much stay under the playscape or they stay close to my back door or under trees. I just came home from running errands and they were hanging out in their covered run. Hmmm...wonder why.

 

[fowlsessed]

i was told that in south africa they lose lots of chickens to eagles, but if they tie a red ribbon around it the eagles would not touch them. i dont know that it really works, but it might just save a chicken life.

 

[Firtle]

you might want to consider covering your coop. just consideration

 

[cybercat 2]

Quote:
The short story is that all my girls are safe (if shaken) and in their run. They did everything right to protect themselves.

The long, long, loooong story is here: http://heedleyshens.wordpress.com/2011/12/01/first-hawk-attack/

I'm so happy that everyone escaped unharmed. out of curiosity, do you have a rooster? (I'm having bald eagle troubles right now, but we've had hawks in the past too.) My roosters are on watch all the time and alarm call, but I still lose the occasional bird. The roosters make a pretty distinctive call and I run out to check if I hear it.

 

[ChickcrazyCharlie]

The hawks are thick right now. I've lost 4 bantams to them. For now they are locked up in the small covered run. Glad yours are safe, but watch out it will probably be back.

 

[ninabeast]

We have a rooster-hating neighbour here, so I am the rooster, I am afraid. I guess I did my job today, right?