Hawk attack

[nab58]

I had a hawk drop out of a tree right above my head on top of one of my chickens. I screamed and it flew off. It all happened so quickly, I didn't even realize what it was until it was in the woods.

I find the crows let me know when there's a predator in the area. If I hear them crowing, I know there's something around and try to wrangle the birds into their coop. They are natural enemies of the hawks.

 

[N F C]

I had a hawk drop out of a tree right above my head on top of one of my chickens. I screamed and it flew off. It all happened so quickly, I didn't even realize what it was until it was in the woods.

I find the crows let me know when there's a predator in the area. If I hear them crowing, I know there's something around and try to wrangle the birds into their coop. They are natural enemies of the hawks.

Interesting...I didn't know that. I have watched our chickens perk up and run for cover when the crows start making a racket but I thought they were maybe worried about the crows.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I had a hawk drop out of a tree right above my head on top of one of my chickens. I screamed and it flew off. It all happened so quickly, I didn't even realize what it was until it was in the woods.

I find the crows let me know when there's a predator in the area. If I hear them crowing, I know there's something around and try to wrangle the birds into their coop. They are natural enemies of the hawks.

Totally noticed that too.

 

[nutsaboutchicks]

Thanks for the info about the crows. I have noticed them making a lot of noise. I thought they were just noisy.

 

[21hens-incharge]

If you have wild doves around they react to hawks too but not by making noise. They disappear.

 

[FoskeyFarm]

Yikes! We are considering getting Jersey Giants because I've heard in one of the posts on here that a JG rooster will fend them off. I'm more concerned about snakes! Should I be concerned on a 1/4 acre in SC about snakes attacking these birds, even if we don't plan on keeping food in the coop?

 

[collingwood]

I've never had a hawk attack!

 

[N F C]

Yikes! We are considering getting Jersey Giants because I've heard in one of the posts on here that a JG rooster will fend them off. I'm more concerned about snakes! Should I be concerned on a 1/4 acre in SC about snakes attacking these birds, even if we don't plan on keeping food in the coop?

Welcome to BYC!

I don't think snakes will go after feed. Snakes see eggs and baby chicks as food. Snakes of various types are just about everywhere.

 

[Kikiriki]

I don't know if raptors keep coming back.  In the last year and a half I've a hawk come down and try to have chicken meal.  Both times I was there and able to scare it away.  Yesterday was attempt number 2.  I was there and the girls went into hiding mode.  Today I let them out at 9:00 this morning and gave them free run.  I was not around all day.  Girls are all good.  Seems to me if that hawk wanted to come around today it was as good as time as any. 


My yard is pretty small.  I've got 4 RIRs.  The girls have plenty of places to hide that a hawk wouldn't be able to get to.  I think you can protect them a fair amount, but if you want to free range them there are inherent risks.  What about foxes, raccoons and the like?  Only so much you can do.  Give them hideaways and hope for the best.

You need to watch this:

http://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=A0SO...ckjfP-1E/RK=0/RS=OLrMRJXO_V4olpoBz0PXnShJfB8-

It is a different species, but do not underestimate the flying ability of a hungry bird of prey.

 

[FoskeyFarm]

I also have a feisty black cat abs 82 lb Boxer. Would they both be good protection from Hawks? Also we have a third bathroom I was planning on raising the day old chicks in until they can get outside in the coop. At what time do I start keeping them outside? We are planning on raising larger hens like Jersey Giants and Leghorns. I wanted the chickens for pest control in my garden but now feel like between the hawks and snakes that I want to keep the under lock and key at all times. Any help would be greatly appreciated!