Hawk in the Coop!!!

[RubysMomFP]

I walked out to the coop early this evening to check on my girls and found a hawk IN my coop.

It had flown in through the pop door from the chicken yard (electrified poultry netting) and couldn't figure out how to get out. It was obviously distressed and flying into the wire walls of the coop, trying to get out. Every once in a while, it would land on the roosts and take a breather. It was panting and its tounge was hanging out the side of its mouth. My husband and the neighbor covered it with a kiddie pool as it clung to the wire wall of the coop. Then they slid the pool down to the pop door and it flew away. I actually got a video of it flying away.

The 4 chickens that live in that 1/2 of the coop and have access to the yard during the day were okay. One of them (the white EE) had a small bite about the size of 1/2 a dime on her back. Thank goodnes the coop is divided in half and the hawk wasn't able to get to the 44 baby chicks that are brooding in the other side.

I really would like to range my chickens, but I'm guessing it's going to be risky with hawks around.

Any suggestions on what to do to keep them away?

Thanks!

 

[b.hromada]

Thank goodness your girls were okay!

Although the hawk is beautfiul. Keep you babies safe.

 

[saxet]

Wow! Stunnig picture, but not what you want inside your hen house, no doubt.

Glad it had a happy end.

 

[DottieMarie]

You may want to give your girl some antibiotics, chances are that wound could get infected.
Good luck!