Hawk Prevention

[Delaneygraces]

Hello! So, about about a month ago, a hawk appeared, and started slowly picking off the standard sized chickens. These were mostly grown Roosters that weren’t fighting/causing problems yet, or pullets to young to breed, or hens currently not being bred. At first, I was upset that it was killing my birds, but ten, I realized I could simply pen up the youngsters that had most potential (no disqualifications like crooked toes/tails/ or off coloring, and let the others roam, and let nature take its course. (This sounds terrible, but there is no way I have enough pens to pen everyone up, and I would of ended up culling some of these birds later on, so why not let them live a shorter, but better quality life, not being penned up?)
At this time, my Moderns (who are WAY more important to me) were penned up all day, or put into a drop pen daily, so they weren’t a worry. But I’ve come to realize, it is not possible for me to drop them in a pen, make sure they stay parked in shade, and have water all day, when I’m not home. So, it’s either force them to be penned up in the garage all day, or the find a way to chase off that hawk.
Any suggestions?
And, no, shootings it is not an option, as it lives in a tree top in the neighbors property, and flys across to us. That neighbor is VERY protective of his wildlife “preserve” and wouldn’t hesitate to call us in if he suspected anything. Not to mention it’s not legal

 

[Golden Brahma 64]

Hello! So, about about a month ago, a hawk appeared, and started slowly picking off the standard sized chickens. These were mostly grown Roosters that weren’t fighting/causing problems yet, or pullets to young to breed, or hens currently not being bred. At first, I was upset that it was killing my birds, but ten, I realized I could simply pen up the youngsters that had most potential (no disqualifications like crooked toes/tails/ or off coloring, and let the others roam, and let nature take its course. (This sounds terrible, but there is no way I have enough pens to pen everyone up, and I would of ended up culling some of these birds later on, so why not let them live a shorter, but better quality life, not being penned up?)
At this time, my Moderns (who are WAY more important to me) were penned up all day, or put into a drop pen daily, so they weren’t a worry. But I’ve come to realize, it is not possible for me to drop them in a pen, make sure they stay parked in shade, and have water all day, when I’m not home. So, it’s either force them to be penned up in the garage all day, or the find a way to chase off that hawk.
Any suggestions?
And, no, shootings it is not an option, as it lives in a tree top in the neighbors property, and flys across to us. That neighbor is VERY protective of his wildlife “preserve” and wouldn’t hesitate to call us in if he suspected anything. Not to mention it’s not legal

You could get a guard goose, place scare crows around your property or just install a fully secure pen outside

 

[lazy gardener]

I would build a covered run. Rather than feeding the hawk, limit your flock size to a number of birds that you can protect in a covered run. Bird netting is cheap.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Please don't use hawks to cull your birds. If they need culling, do it yourself in a way that's guaranteed to be humane.

The only guaranteed way to keep a hawk out is to build a roofed-over pen. Geese will warn and give chickens a chance to run, scarecrows may work temporarily but will need to be moved frequently and the birds may wise up.

 

[cmom]

Shooting is not an option because it is illegal to shoot birds of prey. I encourage the crows to hang around (treats) and if a hawk shows up they usually chase them off. The crows are constantly checking for some treats.

 

[cmom]

I have large covered pens for my birds.

 

[cmom]

My pens are covered with a heavy duty netting. I haven't had a problem since I put the netting up.

 

[Fishkeeper]

Shooting is not an option because it is illegal to shoot birds of prey. I encourage the crows to hang around (treats) and if a hawk shows up they usually chase them off. The crows are constantly checking for some treats.

This is a really good idea! Crows are very smart birds and will quickly learn that you have food. They're fairly easy to befriend, just don't stop feeding them or they will be thoroughly unhappy with you. Plus, a few angry crows can fend off any bird of prey in the world.

 

[happyfrenchman]

Accidents can happen you know.... who is to say what happened to that hawk that used to live in that tree over there..... could have been anyone or any thing. It would be a shame if something were to happen to it but accidents do happen.

 

[Fluffy&Cutie]

Shooting is not an option because it is illegal to shoot birds of prey. I encourage the crows to hang around (treats) and if a hawk shows up they usually chase them off. The crows are constantly checking for some treats.

i just witnessed this!!! crows saved my chickens! they were dive bombing the hawk. i will be leaving treats for the crows!!!