hawk attack lockdown

[zmender]

Hello everyone! Wanted to get your thoughts on the duration of post-hawk attack lockdown. This is the first (albeit 2 consecutive back-to-back attacks) since we got the flock.

We had the flock since spring of last year. They are located in a very deeply wooded + shaded area. Their living arrangement consists of solid wood coop that we lock up at night, an adjoining fully enclosed covered run protected by chicken wires that's openable to the free ranging area, and a much larger free ranging area protected by electric wire.

We had 2 hawk attacks in the past 2 days. First attack was successful... lost my roo, but all girls were safe. Second attack was interrupted when I heard the commotion. Both cases they were red tailed hawks. The hawk didn't get a chance to eat anything yet.

Now however my girls are locked up between the coop and the enclosure, and I'm too worried to let them out into the free ranging area.

Do you know how long hawks tend to stick around after multiple attacks?

 

[zmender]

BTW I have 6 hens left. The coop is about ~20sq ft and the enclosure is about 110sq ft. The free ranging area is much larger at around 1000sq ft.

 

[Geena]

Do you know how long hawks tend to stick around after multiple attacks?

That all depends on whether it's a migrating or resident hawk. Where are you located?

 

[zmender]

I'm located in southern CT, about half hour out from New Haven. Hawks are definitely local to our area! Our house is located pretty deep in the forest.

Our guess is that during the summer time, the tree canopies probably shielded the flock from hawks (hawks don't fly IN the forest, do they?). However now with the trees barren, the chickens are getting attention from unfriendly eyes.

 

[Matejka]

I would plan on keeping the birds safely enclosed in coop/run a minimum of 2 weeks-maybe longer, depending on hawk, resident or migrating. Good luck!

 

[SmiYa0126]

I don't have a huge run like you do, I kept mine in for a couple of days, and then afterwards let them out after lunch. Haven't let them free range all day.

 

[Chickeeaholic]

I’m sorry you lost your roo. I have tons of hawks watching my yard. I can’t let them out unless I’m guarding them.

 

[zmender]

Thanks everyone.

I've not (previously) intended to keep the chickens in the enclosure long term - the enclosure was meant for when we (humans) were out from house and needed to keep poultry safe behind 2 layers of defense (electric + physical barrier). However now as a necessity I need to improve the condition of the enclosure: french drain + thick layer of mulch.

This is frustrating - it's impractical to hawk-proof the the entire free range area, yet feels bad to lock up the girls unless I'm around.

 

[Mr Spot]

Yep, Hawks can be a pain in the you know what .

 

[JoeCT]

A resident goshawk attacked my hens just last week. I was lucky to be home and hear the hens freaking out. Long story short my girl that got attacked survived and now my yard looks like a powerline sub-station with cables and strings everywhere. Good luck.