Hawk Lurking in a Tree (with pics)

[LaLoomis]

I got two chickens just 4 days ago and already the hawks are circling. A pigeon got obliterated on the roof and there are feathers everywhere. I built my coop and run to withstand raccoons and coyotes but I was hoping to give the chickens some time free range now and then. I guess I'll have to rethink that.

Is there such a thing as a hawk deterrent?

Here's the hawk in the tree looking down on the coop:

Here's what's left of the pigeon:

Here are my girls, safe for now:

 

[congdon476]

He's just sitting up there... scheming on how he's going to open your coop door.

 

[jforsness]

Hawks scare me and The 3 B's

 

[Brunty_Farms]

Your best bet is to let them free range when your around to watch them. That hawk could easily make a meal of one of your hens. The bad part is they will kill it and only eat a little bit.

Welcome to BYC......

 

[hoosier]

I have read on here that hanging CDs will mess with a hawks ability to see.
I can only allow mine to free range when I am with them since I lost one to a hawk last fall - my first after six years of having chickens, but they are in a different area of my property.

Welcome to BYC!

 

[LaLoomis]

Quote:
Thanks

I think keeping an eye on them if they're out and about is good advice. Luckily they're very alert and were aware of the hawk before I was. They stopped stock still and it was like they were having a staring contest with the hawk. They wouldn't take their eyes off of it.

 

[ginbart]

Quote:
LaLoomis ,may not know what The 3 B's are. I think you should PM them and let them know before something gets started here again and someone gets in trouble. LOL

 

[citalk2much]

They get very brave this time of year due to hunger I would even worry about letting them out with me there watching they are fast

 

[swampwander]

Bottle rockets, if you're allowed.

 

[imfowl]

A .17 hornady magnum works well.