Hawk near miss. Looking for clarity!

[Bella Dominique]

I’ve had some hawk and owl attacks but non successful so far. The crows in my area only seem to go after the eagles but not the hawks .We see a lot more eagles year round . Most of the hawks are transient and attack spring and fall. I will say the crows have saved me from eagle attacks multiple times and I thank them for it.
The owl is a resident but the dog scared it off and it hasn’t been back, but I think the heavy bunny population keeps it fed.
We had a hawk attack a month back so the girls are more cautious now and I only let them out into the larger open area if I’m with them now. They also have pallets and sunshades (even in winter) and shrubs to make it harder for a flying hawk to see them.

 

[KGandE]

Hi! This is my first post (been lurking since April when I started my flock! Hi all!) I know there are thousands of hawk posts (I’ve read most of them!) I have some specific-to-me questions for the community and am hoping it can provide me and anyone else lurking some insight to reduce risks. Thank you in advance!

Brief background- we have a small urban flock of 6 in the Bay Area of CA. Got ladies in April/June as 6-7 week pullets. They have been allowed to free range in our backyard nearly since then. Coop and run access all day. It’s wooded but suburban so we’re not talking acres here. Just a nice patch of hill with two large trees. Food and water inside run. No predator issues until this week.

This past week (first week of November) I heard a commotion and looked to see a hawk swooping out of our yard. I ran out but was not able to ID hawk type. Thinking red tail as most common in this area. Cooper is possible too. Wing undersides were light brown/sandy in color. I thought the bird was huge but… city person here so take that for what it’s worth. All the girls were present but our head lady in charge had some missing feathers and on inspection a decent gash. (We’re doing wound care and thanks to posts here, she is healing well it seems. Eating/drinking excellent. She actually seems unbothered, whereas the others are still a bit frazzled.)

Specific questions in my mind:
1. Our yard has two large trees that the girls spend most time under one of them. The attack happened under/very near said tree. It has finally gone complete bare of leaves this week. Assuming this is not coincidence? Is this a fair assumption. And if so, is ranging them once the tree is filled out again “safer” ( in quotes as I know safe is a relative term and predators will predator). I feel like a full tree is not enough to stop a hawk! But looking at my yard I’m realizing how much more sky is exposed now and the timing seems, important.

2. We have a border collie who is trustworthy unsupervised with hens but he’s not a guard dog (ha!). He often sleeps on our deck while the hens graze the hill. Would just his presence be enough? Surely it depends on the hawk but would gladly leave him out when ranging the girls if it would make a difference?

3. In my hawk obsession this week I’ve done lots of reading on crow-hawk relations. Some articles saying hawks won’t bother staying anywhere crows nest. Our neighborhood is home to MANY crows. Murders upon murders of them. Is it too much wishful thinking to think perhaps this was a one off? That this hawk was making his way through and saw an “easy” meal and won’t necessarily be back?

Thank you for reading all this! Appreciate this community. Like I mentioned this is my first post but I’ve learned so much from lurking the past 6 months so thank you!

EDIT: For clarity as it seems to come up in a lot of replies! We DO have a secured run and coop. Hardwire apron and hardwire siding with pvc wire and a full roof of aluminum. Ladies are access to run and coop at all times when they are ranging! Not relying on the now bare trees for security, just sparked my interest as it’s never been empty of leaves since we’ve had them out and this happened right away!

My experience is that, once a hawk has attempted an attack, your girls are not safe free ranging without complete cover. Sorry, because that is sad and probably not what you want to hear but the hawk or other hawks can kill them pretty easily if they are uncovered in the yard. I find the hawks near me sometimes sit in the trees and wait and other times swoop in from the sky - either way, your girls are in danger. I do not think the dog will help, simply because I thought mine would, but still had a hawk swoop down and attempt a kill while he was sitting there and I had run inside for a few minutes.
I hope this is useful info. Good luck.

 

[Silky45]

Hi! This is my first post (been lurking since April when I started my flock! Hi all!) I know there are thousands of hawk posts (I’ve read most of them!) I have some specific-to-me questions for the community and am hoping it can provide me and anyone else lurking some insight to reduce risks. Thank you in advance!

Brief background- we have a small urban flock of 6 in the Bay Area of CA. Got ladies in April/June as 6-7 week pullets. They have been allowed to free range in our backyard nearly since then. Coop and run access all day. It’s wooded but suburban so we’re not talking acres here. Just a nice patch of hill with two large trees. Food and water inside run. No predator issues until this week.

This past week (first week of November) I heard a commotion and looked to see a hawk swooping out of our yard. I ran out but was not able to ID hawk type. Thinking red tail as most common in this area. Cooper is possible too. Wing undersides were light brown/sandy in color. I thought the bird was huge but… city person here so take that for what it’s worth. All the girls were present but our head lady in charge had some missing feathers and on inspection a decent gash. (We’re doing wound care and thanks to posts here, she is healing well it seems. Eating/drinking excellent. She actually seems unbothered, whereas the others are still a bit frazzled.)

Specific questions in my mind:
1. Our yard has two large trees that the girls spend most time under one of them. The attack happened under/very near said tree. It has finally gone complete bare of leaves this week. Assuming this is not coincidence? Is this a fair assumption. And if so, is ranging them once the tree is filled out again “safer” ( in quotes as I know safe is a relative term and predators will predator). I feel like a full tree is not enough to stop a hawk! But looking at my yard I’m realizing how much more sky is exposed now and the timing seems, important.

2. We have a border collie who is trustworthy unsupervised with hens but he’s not a guard dog (ha!). He often sleeps on our deck while the hens graze the hill. Would just his presence be enough? Surely it depends on the hawk but would gladly leave him out when ranging the girls if it would make a difference?

3. In my hawk obsession this week I’ve done lots of reading on crow-hawk relations. Some articles saying hawks won’t bother staying anywhere crows nest. Our neighborhood is home to MANY crows. Murders upon murders of them. Is it too much wishful thinking to think perhaps this was a one off? That this hawk was making his way through and saw an “easy” meal and won’t necessarily be back?

Thank you for reading all this! Appreciate this community. Like I mentioned this is my first post but I’ve learned so much from lurking the past 6 months so thank you!

EDIT: For clarity as it seems to come up in a lot of replies! We DO have a secured run and coop. Hardwire apron and hardwire siding with pvc wire and a full roof of aluminum. Ladies are access to run and coop at all times when they are ranging! Not relying on the now bare trees for security, just sparked my interest as it’s never been empty of leaves since we’ve had them out and this happened right away!

I feel like I’m reading this about myself. We also had the same issues with hawks and nothing Keeps them away for good . Summer is usually very little hawk activity but fall is terrible. We do not let our girls free range at all in the fall or winter. We also do not let them out unless I’m out with them and even that did not keep some hawks away . One hawk actually hit my shoulder dive bombing one of my silkies . I have not lost a chicken yet to a hawk but I have built things to keep them safe . Both my runs are covered , one with a roof and one with chicken wire . Both have chunnels attached that follow our entire fence line . The hawks are very discouraged by the chunnels . I forgot to mention the crows are bit of a issue also. I also purchased a net tent that is a bit large for our yard but I can set it up in the middle of the yard for a extra space for them . My birds are a bit spoiled but they provide us with food so keeping them safe and happy is what I signed up for when I order my 6 little chicks. They are 1 1/2 now and thriving . Good luck with your sweeties .

 

[myluckychucks]

Hi! This is my first post (been lurking since April when I started my flock! Hi all!) I know there are thousands of hawk posts (I’ve read most of them!) I have some specific-to-me questions for the community and am hoping it can provide me and anyone else lurking some insight to reduce risks. Thank you in advance!

Brief background- we have a small urban flock of 6 in the Bay Area of CA. Got ladies in April/June as 6-7 week pullets. They have been allowed to free range in our backyard nearly since then. Coop and run access all day. It’s wooded but suburban so we’re not talking acres here. Just a nice patch of hill with two large trees. Food and water inside run. No predator issues until this week.

This past week (first week of November) I heard a commotion and looked to see a hawk swooping out of our yard. I ran out but was not able to ID hawk type. Thinking red tail as most common in this area. Cooper is possible too. Wing undersides were light brown/sandy in color. I thought the bird was huge but… city person here so take that for what it’s worth. All the girls were present but our head lady in charge had some missing feathers and on inspection a decent gash. (We’re doing wound care and thanks to posts here, she is healing well it seems. Eating/drinking excellent. She actually seems unbothered, whereas the others are still a bit frazzled.)

Specific questions in my mind:
1. Our yard has two large trees that the girls spend most time under one of them. The attack happened under/very near said tree. It has finally gone complete bare of leaves this week. Assuming this is not coincidence? Is this a fair assumption. And if so, is ranging them once the tree is filled out again “safer” ( in quotes as I know safe is a relative term and predators will predator). I feel like a full tree is not enough to stop a hawk! But looking at my yard I’m realizing how much more sky is exposed now and the timing seems, important.

2. We have a border collie who is trustworthy unsupervised with hens but he’s not a guard dog (ha!). He often sleeps on our deck while the hens graze the hill. Would just his presence be enough? Surely it depends on the hawk but would gladly leave him out when ranging the girls if it would make a difference?

3. In my hawk obsession this week I’ve done lots of reading on crow-hawk relations. Some articles saying hawks won’t bother staying anywhere crows nest. Our neighborhood is home to MANY crows. Murders upon murders of them. Is it too much wishful thinking to think perhaps this was a one off? That this hawk was making his way through and saw an “easy” meal and won’t necessarily be back?

Thank you for reading all this! Appreciate this community. Like I mentioned this is my first post but I’ve learned so much from lurking the past 6 months so thank you!

EDIT: For clarity as it seems to come up in a lot of replies! We DO have a secured run and coop. Hardwire apron and hardwire siding with pvc wire and a full roof of aluminum. Ladies are access to run and coop at all times when they are ranging! Not relying on the now bare trees for security, just sparked my interest as it’s never been empty of leaves since we’ve had them out and this happened right away!

You are all really lucky! A tree isn't the best for a chicken to hide from hawks AND OWLS under. A bushy shrub is much better. I am in Ontario Canada and fall is the worst ( but not only time) for hawk attacks for me. All birds of prey are very good at getting through tree limbs and leaves so I would say the timing is a coincidence, they are in danger from bird and critter attacks anytime they free range. I let mine out but stay very close as fixed and coyotes will come in the yard any time even with the dog and I outside.

 

[jgarner1327]

If you plant evergreen shrubs they won’t drop their leaves in the fall. There are lots of nice evergreen shrubs. I planted Ceanothus and pineapple guava and the chooks forage near them. When my older hen (3 years) sees a hawk she runs and hides under the closest bush, like a huge rhododendron, and the other four (9 months old) see her run and follow immediately. While they forage, they glance up at the sky. I’ve had two hawk attacks in 3 years, it was before I got the four new hens. I found the hens hiding, terrified. Clumps of feathers nearby. Kept them in the coop and run for a few days to let them calm down. I’d love to cover my entire yard (1/2 acre) with chicken wire on poles so they’d have full access.
Another idea suggested by a contractor-friend- get a black rooster or black chicken and hawks will think it’s a crow. I had already bought 2 black australorps so maybe this will deter hawks. Has anyone heard of this?

 

[Bella Dominique]

If you plant evergreen shrubs they won’t drop their leaves in the fall. There are lots of nice evergreen shrubs. I planted Ceanothus and pineapple guava and the chooks forage near them. When my older hen (3 years) sees a hawk she runs and hides under the closest bush, like a huge rhododendron, and the other four (9 months old) see her run and follow immediately. While they forage, they glance up at the sky. I’ve had two hawk attacks in 3 years, it was before I got the four new hens. I found the hens hiding, terrified. Clumps of feathers nearby. Kept them in the coop and run for a few days to let them calm down. I’d love to cover my entire yard (1/2 acre) with chicken wire on poles so they’d have full access.
Another idea suggested by a contractor-friend- get a black rooster or black chicken and hawks will think it’s a crow. I had already bought 2 black australorps so maybe this will deter hawks. Has anyone heard of this?

I have heard some have success with Australorps and hawk attacks but the last hawk attack was on my largest Australorp, so can’t say this works. The idea is because crows harass hawks , the hawk associate black shiny birds with that behavior and avoid them. It may depend on the area you live in though. Where I used to live I saw crows going after any predatory birds but where I live now the crows only harass the eagles but ignore hawks. The eagles are year round here but hawks seem seasonal, spring and summer.

 

[RoosterWhisperer]

Hi! This is my first post (been lurking since April when I started my flock! Hi all!) I know there are thousands of hawk posts (I’ve read most of them!) I have some specific-to-me questions for the community and am hoping it can provide me and anyone else lurking some insight to reduce risks. Thank you in advance!

Brief background- we have a small urban flock of 6 in the Bay Area of CA. Got ladies in April/June as 6-7 week pullets. They have been allowed to free range in our backyard nearly since then. Coop and run access all day. It’s wooded but suburban so we’re not talking acres here. Just a nice patch of hill with two large trees. Food and water inside run. No predator issues until this week.

This past week (first week of November) I heard a commotion and looked to see a hawk swooping out of our yard. I ran out but was not able to ID hawk type. Thinking red tail as most common in this area. Cooper is possible too. Wing undersides were light brown/sandy in color. I thought the bird was huge but… city person here so take that for what it’s worth. All the girls were present but our head lady in charge had some missing feathers and on inspection a decent gash. (We’re doing wound care and thanks to posts here, she is healing well it seems. Eating/drinking excellent. She actually seems unbothered, whereas the others are still a bit frazzled.)

Specific questions in my mind:
1. Our yard has two large trees that the girls spend most time under one of them. The attack happened under/very near said tree. It has finally gone complete bare of leaves this week. Assuming this is not coincidence? Is this a fair assumption. And if so, is ranging them once the tree is filled out again “safer” ( in quotes as I know safe is a relative term and predators will predator). I feel like a full tree is not enough to stop a hawk! But looking at my yard I’m realizing how much more sky is exposed now and the timing seems, important.

2. We have a border collie who is trustworthy unsupervised with hens but he’s not a guard dog (ha!). He often sleeps on our deck while the hens graze the hill. Would just his presence be enough? Surely it depends on the hawk but would gladly leave him out when ranging the girls if it would make a difference?

3. In my hawk obsession this week I’ve done lots of reading on crow-hawk relations. Some articles saying hawks won’t bother staying anywhere crows nest. Our neighborhood is home to MANY crows. Murders upon murders of them. Is it too much wishful thinking to think perhaps this was a one off? That this hawk was making his way through and saw an “easy” meal and won’t necessarily be back?

Thank you for reading all this! Appreciate this community. Like I mentioned this is my first post but I’ve learned so much from lurking the past 6 months so thank you!

EDIT: For clarity as it seems to come up in a lot of replies! We DO have a secured run and coop. Hardwire apron and hardwire siding with pvc wire and a full roof of aluminum. Ladies are access to run and coop at all times when they are ranging! Not relying on the now bare trees for security, just sparked my interest as it’s never been empty of leaves since we’ve had them out and this happened right away!

I understand your current situation, as I’ve had a young chicken get attacked by a hawk as well and he survived just fine.

But I am not here to discuss the chicken part of this question, as a raptor expert I’m here to help you.

Your thoughts on red tailed hawk sound correct, red tailed hawk‘s are brown with a sandy underside. They are a decent sized hawk being between the size of a crow and a goose. Would you say it was a light or dark brown? Red tailed hawk‘s have different color patterns called morphs. Some morphs are more likely to be seen in certain areas, the most common morphs you’ll see are light and dark, just as it states light morphs will be light brown and dark morphs will be dark brown.

A Cooper’s hawk has more of a salmon colored breast with a blue gray top side and a tail with a white bar at the top and darker gray barring at the bottom. yet thinking about it, juvenile or immature Cooper’s Hawk‘s are a brown color with a light tan breast similar to a red tailed hawks coloring. But they are around size of a crow as well.

If you have any more questions feel free to ask I’m always happy to help!

~RoosterWhisperer

 

[Silky45]

If you plant evergreen shrubs they won’t drop their leaves in the fall. There are lots of nice evergreen shrubs. I planted Ceanothus and pineapple guava and the chooks forage near them. When my older hen (3 years) sees a hawk she runs and hides under the closest bush, like a huge rhododendron, and the other four (9 months old) see her run and follow immediately. While they forage, they glance up at the sky. I’ve had two hawk attacks in 3 years, it was before I got the four new hens. I found the hens hiding, terrified. Clumps of feathers nearby. Kept them in the coop and run for a few days to let them calm down. I’d love to cover my entire yard (1/2 acre) with chicken wire on poles so they’d have full access.
Another idea suggested by a contractor-friend- get a black rooster or black chicken and hawks will think it’s a crow. I had already bought 2 black australorps so maybe this will deter hawks. Has anyone heard of this?

I have heard this about the black chickens but it doesn’t seem too keep them away for long . Hawks are very smart birds and will figure out they are chickens by watching their movements. The only for sure way to keep your chicken safe is a predator proof covered run . You may have a hawk sit outside once in a while but at least your chickens are safe. I agree the evergreens are best for year round coverage if you still choose to free range .

 

[RoosterML]

Each time you see something off and your dog is around act panicked and tell him to go check it out. Keep saying check it out while walking the perimeter. After awhile your dog should catch on with what to do. Now all I do is say “what’s that” and he jumps to alert. While he sits or lays down watching believe me he knows what’s going on. Now my chickens make a fuss and my dog is off to check it out. Good luck.
FYI this is the worst time of year for hawks

 

[Laura Anne]

Hi! This is my first post (been lurking since April when I started my flock! Hi all!) I know there are thousands of hawk posts (I’ve read most of them!) I have some specific-to-me questions for the community and am hoping it can provide me and anyone else lurking some insight to reduce risks. Thank you in advance!

Brief background- we have a small urban flock of 6 in the Bay Area of CA. Got ladies in April/June as 6-7 week pullets. They have been allowed to free range in our backyard nearly since then. Coop and run access all day. It’s wooded but suburban so we’re not talking acres here. Just a nice patch of hill with two large trees. Food and water inside run. No predator issues until this week.

This past week (first week of November) I heard a commotion and looked to see a hawk swooping out of our yard. I ran out but was not able to ID hawk type. Thinking red tail as most common in this area. Cooper is possible too. Wing undersides were light brown/sandy in color. I thought the bird was huge but… city person here so take that for what it’s worth. All the girls were present but our head lady in charge had some missing feathers and on inspection a decent gash. (We’re doing wound care and thanks to posts here, she is healing well it seems. Eating/drinking excellent. She actually seems unbothered, whereas the others are still a bit frazzled.)

Specific questions in my mind:
1. Our yard has two large trees that the girls spend most time under one of them. The attack happened under/very near said tree. It has finally gone complete bare of leaves this week. Assuming this is not coincidence? Is this a fair assumption. And if so, is ranging them once the tree is filled out again “safer” ( in quotes as I know safe is a relative term and predators will predator). I feel like a full tree is not enough to stop a hawk! But looking at my yard I’m realizing how much more sky is exposed now and the timing seems, important.

2. We have a border collie who is trustworthy unsupervised with hens but he’s not a guard dog (ha!). He often sleeps on our deck while the hens graze the hill. Would just his presence be enough? Surely it depends on the hawk but would gladly leave him out when ranging the girls if it would make a difference?

3. In my hawk obsession this week I’ve done lots of reading on crow-hawk relations. Some articles saying hawks won’t bother staying anywhere crows nest. Our neighborhood is home to MANY crows. Murders upon murders of them. Is it too much wishful thinking to think perhaps this was a one off? That this hawk was making his way through and saw an “easy” meal and won’t necessarily be back?

Thank you for reading all this! Appreciate this community. Like I mentioned this is my first post but I’ve learned so much from lurking the past 6 months so thank you!

EDIT: For clarity as it seems to come up in a lot of replies! We DO have a secured run and coop. Hardwire apron and hardwire siding with pvc wire and a full roof of aluminum. Ladies are access to run and coop at all times when they are ranging! Not relying on the now bare trees for security, just sparked my interest as it’s never been empty of leaves since we’ve had them out and this happened right away!

We have an awful lot of crows here, but still hawks a-plenty!