HAWK ATTACK

[pennyJo1960]

between our 3 outside cats 2 outside dogs we have no predators in 3 years

 

[The Kooky Kiwi]

About the bush, I wouldn't consider a completely foolproof method... our ducks were sitting under their bush when the hawk attacked. in fact they were standing outside and watching it and quickly ran into the bush. The hawk still managed to get his claws on one and could have killed her. I always thought the bush was their safe place - that's like their home, but I seriously underestimated what a hawk will do...

Oh I agree - in fact I don't think I can actually "completely" hawk proof my run. It is so large that putting a net cover over it isn't feasible - so I'm just going to have to rely on a combination of beneficial solutions. All the chickens are enjoying the net corridors now so I'm going to leave them in there. Hopefully those, in combination with the bushes, will afford them a reasonable amount of protection and ability to run away!

I might add that none of my chickens knew about hawks before I got them - they had all been coop raised - so the first hen and chick loss was probably a bit of a shock for them. I know that since then they have been VERY vigilant - and rooster has certainly been very watchful and quick to call everyone to cover.

 

[Abraeri]

That is awesome... we have a stray cat thats been wandering around, we've been giving her scrap pieces of fish...

 

[The Kooky Kiwi]

between our 3 outside cats 2 outside dogs we have no predators in 3 years

I have three outside cats too.. they are no deterrent whatsoever to a hungry and determined hawk. My boy cat follows me out for walks and hawks will sit there on the fences with complete confidence.

 

[The Kooky Kiwi]

I took these photos just before Christmas. I had a possum catch cage in our yard about 10 metres away from the dining ranch slider. The cage was closed at the time, and empty (no food) .. but that didn't stop two resident hawks from having a brawl over the rights to it.

They were so determined to fight they didn't care about me coming out onto the deck with the camera!

 

[XanderWiFi]

So sorry for the loss. It always seems like it is the ones we enjoy the most that get picked off.

We used to free range ours and after attacks and other things I finally bit the bullet and built a covered run. You can see a picture of it in the coops section I just posted. Was relatively inexpensive and installed in a day with the help of one other person.

I still let my girls free range but only if I am outside with them and armed. That way if there is commotion I can be there in a few seconds. As far as legality, like so many things: it is only illegal if you are caught. Heard that in a movie somewhere...Not my philosophy. But a philosophy nonetheless.

 

[timothylw890]

I shoot my shotgun (not at it directly though) and they get the picture and move on after a day or two. My barred rock rooster actually jumps up at the little coopers hawk that was harassing mine for a little.

 

[The Kooky Kiwi]

I shoot my shotgun (not at it directly though) and they get the picture and move on after a day or two. My barred rock rooster actually jumps up at the little coopers hawk that was harassing mine for a little.

I shot my rifle.. hawk got the message instantly.. My rooster has gone back to harassing his hens LOL.

 

[stephcraig78]

Well we shot rifle in its direction and it flew out of sight. Haven’t seen it since so I’m hoping it got the message. Although there is still the owl that has been lurking in the field for a couple months. I know there are lots of rabbits and mice in the area so I hope it is happy with those. But I’m sure it would love an easy meal just like the hawk. Our yard and field where the chickens and turkey roam have several places they can hide like a big trampoline which is their favorite shady spot to take dust baths. I will for sure check out the coop design though and talk with my husband about a new set up. He was just as angry and upset by the loss as she was his favorite next to our sizzle rooster.

 

[JackE]

This has been a rough winter as far as hawks are concerned around here. I've lost 5. I've tried keeping the birds in, heck, they have even kept themselves in, for a couple of weeks, or more, at a time. But, when they try to go out, the hawks show up, and get another one. My birds are tuned in to hawks, but it hasn't done them much good, this year. The hawks have pursued them under their coop, and into the bushes to kill them. Such a waste.