Hawk! Now Chicks Won't Leave Coop

[NorthernMIFlock]

So last night we had our first predator (large Hawk) attempt to get to our chickens. My hubby and son were heading out back and saw him swoop and land on top of their coop, within seconds it got into their run through the only area not covered in netting (under a large pine tree). They freaked out and ran into the pop out door and my hubby managed to scare it away before any damage was done. I was out early a.m. and covered the rest of he run securely, but poor chicks won't leave the coop at all. They are 13 weeks old and normally spend the whole day outside in the run or free ranging when I am outside. I'm wondering how long their memories are for predator sightings?? I know a hawk couldn't get in the run now, but they still seem very uneasy

 

[Kessel23]

I am glad he did not get one of your birds. Maybe try to start feeding them out in the run? I have never had anything like that happen before, my birds usually go back to normal pretty quickly after a predator attack.

 

[Pork Pie]

I’ve had my flock avoid areas of hawk attacks for over 3 weeks.

 

[BuffOrpington567]

Chicks remenber a thing like that all thier life. Try puting them in a cage or enclosed area in the garden for a day and they should feel confident enough to go outside.

 

[Chick-N-Fun]

I imagine that it was very traumatic for them.....and you! It will take time, but the more they feel safe, the better. I would suggest sitting in the run, read a book.....or just watch.... throw a few mealworms or some other tasty morsel and they will come....
In the meantime I would cover that one section, if possible. That hawk may return as well.
Good luck! Thank goodness your husband was there!

 

[llombardo]

I would spend time in their like mentioned above, but give them the time they need and not force it.

 

[cmom]

Give them some treats.

 

[Folly's place]

They are being smart! Over time they will get braver, and I'm very glad that you fixed your problem area and didn't loose anyone.
Your hawk will likely return over the next week or two, so don't be in a hurry to have them outside.
Mary

 

[cmom]

They may stay in the coop for a couple of days but they will come out when they're ready. I would offer them something like some meal worms to encourage them to come out, but that's the way I am. Once they feel safe again all will be good. I have had a hawk come around daily lately mostly in the morning. It was eating a snake on top of my bluebird nest box. If you look carefully you can see the uneaten part hanging over the side of the nest box. I was trying to zoom in so the pictures are a bit fuzzy.

 

[NorthernMIFlock]

Today was a bit better! They ventured out a little more, but I placed corn on the cob in the run. It's amazing their memories are so good! The bummer is I let them free range on a portion of our land daily (when son and I are outside), but now I'm really hesitant to do that again, thinking there is no way I can protect them in that situation.