Free ranging solution or a large mobile tractor to deal with hawks?

[domikin]

I had about 28 2 month old chicks and a hawk got into the partially covered run(fully covered now) and killed 4 bantams. I have 11 Brahmas, 9 Easter Eggers and 4 bantams remaining.

I had planned to let them free range in an open pasture when they get to be adults, but I guess that is out unless I can find a way to get rid of the hawk. I've heard of hanging pie plates, CDs, fishing lines but not sure about this. I thought about rigging something up with a deer netting overhead with maybe an electric fence wire since I already have the fence charger and wire.

 

[hayley3]

Sorry about your babies...that's awful....I had miniature goats that helped keep the hawks away. Just an idea....

 

[itspebbl]

Do you plan to have a rooster? Any roo that is any good at all will at least warn the ladies of a hawk, and preferably protect them if the hawk does try to attack.
When they are adults, the hawk would have an extremely difficult time snatching up the Brahmas or Easter Eggers. Also, if they free range, they will be naturally more inclined to spend their time in the bushes or under trees, so if you have good ground cover, that will protect them, as well.