Hawk stalking chickens! Help!

[aart]

My run does have a top. But if I locked my chickens in that area they would be crowded especially since it's warm out still. (They usually only hang out in the run in the winter.)

I've had chickens for 5 1/2 years and this is the first time I've seen a hawk watching my chickens.

The area where my chickens are locked up when not free ranging is about 1/3 of an acre of semi wooded land. If I tie fishing line back and forth like a cover would it stop the hawk from being able to get them?

Maybe, but I wouldn't bet money on it.
Might want to expand their mesh covered run....it's getting close to migration season.

 

[KYTinpusher]

My run does have a top. But if I locked my chickens in that area they would be crowded especially since it's warm out still. (They usually only hang out in the run in the winter.)

I've had chickens for 5 1/2 years and this is the first time I've seen a hawk watching my chickens.

The area where my chickens are locked up when not free ranging is about 1/3 of an acre of semi wooded land. If I tie fishing line back and forth like a cover would it stop the hawk from being able to get them?

The hawk may not see the fishing line and could become entangled in it. It could fall through and become trapped in with your birds. If you use fishing line, also hang a bunch of old CDs from it. The flashes of light off the CDs will scare off the hawk. I use the holographic bird scare tape over my open runs and it works great. When hung a little loosely and slightly twisted, the slightest breeze causes many flashes of light so the hawk can not easily gauge the size of the openings and won't risk getting trapped.

Also, make sure your hens have plenty of hiding places spread throughout the run that they can get to quickly in case of attack.

Other options include multiple cocks from landrace breeds that still retain their protective instincts, or a guard animal such as a dog or miniature donkey.

 

[Hens rule]

Thanks. Where can you get holographic bird scare tape?

 

[KYTinpusher]

Thanks. Where can you get holographic bird scare tape?

Amazon, Walmart, Tractor Supply or your local farm/garden center.

 

[Hens rule]

Thank you. I couldn't find it at any farm stores so I'm ordering it from Amazon.

 

[Chicks252]

I only have 4 chickens (city ord.) .WE have had them for 10 weeks now. Yesterday I looked out in the yard and 3 were in one corner of the yard and the smallest one was by herself in another corner. I went out to see what was going on and as I was walking out I saw a hawk sitting on the telephone box in the yard about two feet away from my chick! Of course I took off running and yelling at the hawk. Luckily it flew off (without my chick). I picked her up and walked her back towards the house, the whole time she did not make a peep! The others ran too! My chicks free range all day in my yard. I do have some reflector tape and shiny things in yard to hopefully deter predators, but no cover. Anything else I can do? Thanks for any advice.:/

 

[carlf]

Chicks252:
The hawk will most likely be back.
You really need to have a covered run for times when they cant or shouldn't free range.
For 4 birds, you can get away with an 8x8 area, its small but doable.
Other than that, put up an owl decoy and move it around daily.
Try the predator/bird reflective tape others have talked about.

 

[The Duck Ladie]

@Hens rule Do you have a dog?

 

[Chicks252]

No, no dogs.

 

[Hens rule]

@Hens rule Do you have a dog?

Yes I have 3. They are all good with chickens and one of them is protective of them.