Hawk deterrent?

[Chickendilly]

Hi! I live have a fenced-in yard in the city limits. I have my five hens in an enclosed run and let them out in the yard when I am out there with them. My neighborhood is built around a green space, so there are a lot of hawks, which is my only safety concern for my hens when they are in the yard. I can't be out there with them all day, and they'd like more free yard time. Would putting this up help deter the hawks? Any other suggestions?

 

[cavemanrich]

Something like you posted pix, may help deter hawks. I know that a Kite device on a tall pole does also work. Bad part there,,, it also scares the chickens as well.
I read, that installing CD's and other flashy things on fishing line supposed to deter hawks. No experience with that though.
Consider bird netting over your backyard area. I know it is pricey, and not easy to install.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

 

[EmmaDonovan]

Something like you posted pix, may help deter hawks. I know that a Kite device on a tall pole does also work. Bad part there,,, it also scares the chickens as well.
I read, that installing CD's and other flashy things on fishing line supposed to deter hawks. No experience with that though.
Consider bird netting over your backyard area. I know it is pricey, and not easy to install.


WISHING YOU BEST,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,and

We're also having a hawk problem. Can't a hawk rip through bird netting?

 

[cavemanrich]

We're also having a hawk problem. Can't a hawk rip through bird netting?

It may rip thru, but not likely to happen. A hawk needs to have an escape route available. A hawk is not likely to try and fly out and rip netting overhead. Would have to work upside-down position.
Hawks are smart,, and would prefer easier meal option.
Another thing to consider; Hawks drop down on their prey in a surprise attack style. A hawk struggling to get inside thru netting,,, prey would have chance to escape.

 

[BDutch]

We're also having a hawk problem. Can't a hawk rip through bird netting?

Cat netting is much sturdier than the cheap bird netting. I used netting for birds of pray and cat netting on top of my run(s). The cat netting was cheaper and is less heavy.

In general you need at least many hiding places like bushes to give the chickens a chance to hide. A rooster is great to warn the hens. But if there is no rooster the hens will guard too.

It seems the hawks and other predators get accustomed to things to deter them (scarecrows ,CD’s etc.). If you have too many casualties a large netted run is probably the only safe solution. A large hoop coop with only netting is probably the cheapest run solution.

Maybe a large aria with camouflage netting would work too. I know someone told about this on another forum. She put up poles and made a covered area with camouflage netting against the birds of pray. But she never told how successful it was.

 

[EmmaDonovan]

It may rip thru, but not likely to happen. A hawk needs to have an escape route available. A hawk is not likely to try and fly out and rip netting overhead. Would have to work upside-down position.
Hawks are smart,, and would prefer easier meal option.
Another thing to consider; Hawks drop down on their prey in a surprise attack style. A hawk struggling to get inside thru netting,,, prey would have chance to escape.

I meant, couldn't a hawk rip through bird netting over chicken wire? That would be on the sides of our pens.