Hawk Question

[jennyf]

Would a hawk dive into a 8x12 area enclosed with a 6 foot privacy fence to grab a chick? One of the 12 ft sides has a roof overhang from the house of about 3 feet. Not sure how much maneuvering room they need.

 

[centrarchid]

Yes. Hawk will pursue chicks on foot as well. If setting tight, then I would suspect Coopers Hawk first. I block that crap with deer netting or putting a fully adult standard size rooster in with chicks. Recently a game hen destroyed a Coopers Hawk that got into pen with her chicks.

 

[jennyf]

Drat, ok. No casualties yet, just was wondering if I could get away with not covering the top of such a small pen. They are meat chickens so don't plan to have them long. I'll just stay out there with them til I can get some deer netting shipped. Thanks!

 

[centrarchid]

I get my deer netting from Lowes.

 

[21hens-incharge]

Hawks are amazingly maneuverable. Make sure not to leave ANY gap.

 

[SueT]

Deer netting is a quick, easy, and cheap option to cover a pen. Stretch it over and fasten. That's what I use. Bird netting is similar w smaller mesh. This pic shows deer netting. I've not had anything try to get in. Of course they are locked in the coop at night, this would not be sufficient to keep out mammals, but I think it would suffice for hawks, and it will also keep flighty chickens in.