Hawk query-- will they enter a run/ under a net?

[Oregon Blues]

I occasionally get Merlins inside my runs. They are after the sparrows and leave the poultry alone, but I suspect that if the Merlins can get inside the run, so could a larger hawk.

Owls can also walk in and can swoop through some amazingly small openings.

If a hawk can walk into your coop, then so can a raccoon or a stray dog.

 

[CAjerseychick]

I occasionally get Merlins inside my runs. They are after the sparrows and leave the poultry alone, but I suspect that if the Merlins can get inside the run, so could a larger hawk.

Owls can also walk in and can swoop through some amazingly small openings.

If a hawk can walk into your coop, then so can a raccoon or a stray dog.

I have a secure coop, but due to chicken math have 18 chicks but the setup is only for 12 so I leave the door to the covered run open so that they have space range into our fenced off back yard --- door is opened during the day, our dogs free range outside the larger fenced area (we have feral cats but rarely see them thanks to the dogs), also I noticed we have crows YAY somewhere else on the Forum it says crows are natural enemies to Hawks and will keep them out of their territory. Also thank god, the Hawk did not return after that one day he was sitting in the tree in the backyard ( I was certain he would be back daily until he got a chick.... maybe the neighbors shot him, they shoot in their shootrange daily for hours, it is a bit noisy, but am willing to put up with it if they are getting rid of varmits!)... I am aware though that there will be other Hawks and varmits... just relieved that things are ok for now, am looking into the reflective things to bother their eyesight as well as netting too for the larger yard...

 

[lilchick]

For peace of mind I would net the pen completely. I bought mine off E-bay at a reasonable price. Got 2 inch, knotted nylon netting. I also use shade cloth which is zip tied over top of netting for summer use. Winter I remove shade cloth but leave the netting.

Burkey Randall and Murrary Mc Murrary charges twice as much! So does Strombergs. They are drop shipped meaning they buy from company that sends them to you. Cut out the "middle man" and purchase from the manufacturer yourself!

 

[Oregon Blues]

[[[[........we have crows YAY.....]]]]]

As long as you are aware that those crows will kill and eat your chicks and steal eggs.

Crows have killed a bird as large as 8 pounds on my property, but usually they go after chicks under 3 pounds.

 

[CAjerseychick]

[[[[........we have crows YAY.....]]]]]

As long as you are aware that those crows will kill and eat your chicks and steal eggs.

Crows have killed a bird as large as 8 pounds on my property, but usually they go after chicks under 3 pounds.

So far the crows stay away from the house/ chicken area (which is basically the back yard) they like our driveway (dog bones usually) and field. The blue jays are the ones that fly into the yard/ chicken area, but only when the chickens are inside the coop (they seem to be scared of them).... No chicks yet, and not sure how broody these birds(Jersey Giants) will be... I guess we will cross that bridge when we come to it....