HAWK FLOCK ATTACK!

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

Hey, guys I have a kind of have a problem. About a week ago, I was free ranging the hens when a hawk came and attempted to grab my black naked neck. He/she tried to pick her up, but she was too big thank goodness. So, for the next few days when I free ranged them, I would watch all of them, do a head count every ten minutes and watch the skies for hawks. Whenever, I saw a bird circling the sky I would rush them back to their coop. Well, just yesterday, I was holding the same black naked neck when the same hawk swooped down and tried to take her (again ) I tried swatting him/her away but it scratched me! Then, he flew away. (Don't worry the naked neck is fine now) I don't know if it's a coincidince or the hawk is racist but I'm worried the hawk is going to take her and eat her. Also, I would never do this but killing a hawk in my state is illegal so that is not an option, I tried swatting it away though. If anyone has any tips on how to keep hawks away, it would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!

 

[ChickNanny13]

Repost in the Predator & Pest forum for faster replies ...
I no longer free range because our Hawks (Io, in Hawaii) are protected also. There's a resident pair in the area, have had a young one get lost & hunker down in the neighbors yard. It called for the parents & they came to get it, I was in awe. I've also had one try getting my pullets, luckily they were close enough to their coop & ducked in.

The ones I have now are confined (4BO) in a 8 x 12 x 7 enclosure, they've been raised in there so no ruckus staying in there. I learned once free ranged, there's alot of complaining when confined.

 

[Below frigid]

Hey, guys I have a kind of have a problem. About a week ago, I was free ranging the hens when a hawk came and attempted to grab my black naked neck. He/she tried to pick her up, but she was too big thank goodness. So, for the next few days when I free ranged them, I would watch all of them, do a head count every ten minutes and watch the skies for hawks. Whenever, I saw a bird circling the sky I would rush them back to their coop. Well, just yesterday, I was holding the same black naked neck when the same hawk swooped down and tried to take her (again ) I tried swatting him/her away but it scratched me! Then, he flew away. (Don't worry the naked neck is fine now) I don't know if it's a coincidince or the hawk is racist but I'm worried the hawk is going to take her and eat her. Also, I would never do this but killing a hawk in my state is illegal so that is not an option, I tried swatting it away though. If anyone has any tips on how to keep hawks away, it would be very helpful. Thanks in advance!

Hawk can't carry away a whole adult Chicken. The can kill it but will eat it where it is. They can carry away youngens. Only Illegal to kill a hawk if you tell peeps or post about it. Look at it this way, feed the predators or feed your family. Choice is easy!

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

The hawk looked like this it was about the same size of the chickens. It's called the red shouldered hawk.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

Thanks, for the advice. I guess I would just scare it away if it was eating one of my chickens.

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

Thanks for the advice! I always keep an eye on them. but, i do hope I don't get anymore attacks.

 

[Below frigid]

Taught our dog to Bark at all large birds. Hawks won't come in when they know the element of surprise is eliminated. I would rather not dispatch them knowing how many ground squirrels they kill!

 

[Rhodeislandsilkie]

ya we are thinking about getting a dog but I dont think we will get one any time sone.