Hawk Control!

[TeenChickNQueen]

I dont have crows but im worried about a hawk snatching up my pullets. Are they ever big enough to let out and the hawk not take them away? How old do they need to be to be that size.

 

[Ourfamilyflock]

Our Pullets have been outside since they were 6 weeks, we have plenty of Hawks in the area, if your free ranging you are at more of a risk, if your Pullets are in a run or in your (smaller) backyard, then the Hawks would be less tempted to try anything especially if you are often out there with them. Most Hawks are not big enough to pick up an older pullet, but will still attack on the ground. Chickens are pretty good though at noticing a Hawk near by and running for cover, either their coop or foilage. Our girls retreat into their coop when the Osprey fly over, though none of the Osprey have ever came that close to the yard.

 

[wbruder17]

The crows steal a lot of eggs here.

Yes, I will admit that if I leave my bucket of eggs out by accident, the crows WILL steal them. But its actually kind of amazing to see! They peck a hole in it, stick their beaks in and are then able to carry the egg away! I hate to lose the eggs, but its interesting to see their ingenuity! I just have to remember not to leave my blue bucket out when its filled with eggs. They even know the bucket now!

I have never had a problem with them bothering my hens or chicks.

 

[wbruder17]

Osprey are not a huge concern, tho we have them here on the creek. Osprey are fishers, for the most part. Its the redtailed hawks and Prairie Falcons that are the problem. One almost got my little Dutch Bantam, but i was outside in time to save her. She lost a bunch of feathers and had a huge talon gash on her back, but it healed up well (with Blukote) and she is fine now, albeit a bit more wary.... i dont let her out as much anymore and she is fine with that. Scared her a bit.... rightfully so!

 

[Ashburnham]

The crows come right into my chook houses and steal the eggs out of the nest boxes. i have put up lots of little shiny mirrors and Xmas decorations to scare them off.

 

[ChickieG'ma]

I am gaining a new respect for crows. Always thought they were a total nuisance but they really help with the Ravens and those worry me more than the crows.

I have also seen them gang up on the little red tailed hawk and the pair of bald eagles that live in the neighborhood, while they were trying to circle above and scope out my "kids".

 

[Ourfamilyflock]

yes till I got my chickens I hated the crows, now they are one of the best defenses against birds of Prey we have, they keep the skies clear for a good .25 mile around our house. Osprey, red tail, falcon, Eagle, doesnt matter they gang up and chase it away. Ill remember to keep a close eye on the eggs though, thanks for the warnings.

The crows are noisy, and quirky, but for now I'm glad they are here.

 

[TeenChickNQueen]

Our Pullets have been outside since they were 6 weeks, we have plenty of Hawks in the area, if your free ranging you are at more of a risk, if your Pullets are in a run or in your (smaller) backyard, then the Hawks would be less tempted to try anything especially if you are often out there with them. Most Hawks are not big enough to pick up an older pullet, but will still attack on the ground. Chickens are pretty good though at noticing a Hawk near by and running for cover, either their coop or foilage. Our girls retreat into their coop when the Osprey fly over, though none of the Osprey have ever came that close to the yard.

I only free range them in the after noon when I'm outside w/ them. The hawks are smaller than most Iv'e seen but I have Bantam Old English Game Birds. This is the first time I've ever had chickens so I did some reseach and thanks for the help!

 

[Ashburnham]

You may not have the same problems with crows that I do. Over here the birds we call 'crows" are actually a species of Raven.Their behaviour may be different.