Hawk Tried to Get My Chickens Today . . . now what?

[Evershane]

Today I was gardening with my chickens free-ranging right around me. I noticed they all got agitated and turned to see a hawk dive for them. Fortunately I was able to scare it and all it got was a mouthful of feathers. Do I need to worry that this hawk will now continue to look for them? Just wondering if I should keep them in their coop/run for a period of time or permanently?

 

[CluckerFamily]

He will return tomorrow. I would keep them in the coop/run at least through the weekend. Go with your feelings, even a week isn't a bad idea.

You may want to have things in the yard that they can hide under.

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

Hawks will come back. They will watch and wait for another chance. Free ranging with lots of cover like dense brush, tall grass and trees help hide the chickens but still not secure. The only true way is to have them safe and sound in a secure run/coop.

 

[One Lucky Momma]

Worrying won’t do you or the birds any good. You need to take definitive action. The hawk knows where your birds live now, and until you help It realize there’s no chicken on the menu it’s going to keep trying.

Birds can be smart about what constitutes shelter. A dog house, a simple A-frame made of scrap wood or pallets, a picnic table, even an old lawn chair can provide shelter for ranging chickens. I know some of this sounds kind of tacky but you can gussy it up.

I would let them range only when accompanied by you, and you will have to be especially vigilant now. Kudos to your chicks for recognizing the threat! And, are you certain your run is secure against aerial threats?

 

[Evershane]

Thanks, I had a feeling this would be the case. I noticed he hung around and watched for a bit to see if I would let them back out again. Poor chickens love to free-range and they will not be happy, but I know it's for the best!

 

[Evershane]

Worrying won’t do you or the birds any good. You need to take definitive action. The hawk knows where your birds live now, and until you help It realize there’s no chicken on the menu it’s going to keep trying.

I would let them range only when accompanied by you, and you will have to be especially vigilant now. Kudos to your chicks for recognizing the threat! And, are you certain your run is secure against aerial threats?

Yes I was impressed that they started running for cover well before I saw the hawk coming! The run is secured on top and all around with hardware cloth, but I will be sure to check for any signs of wear and tear.

 

[JulieBeth07]

Today I was gardening with my chickens free-ranging right around me. I noticed they all got agitated and turned to see a hawk dive for them. Fortunately I was able to scare it and all it got was a mouthful of feathers. Do I need to worry that this hawk will now continue to look for them? Just wondering if I should keep them in their coop/run for a period of time or permanently?

Seems like this is the name of the game around here! This same thing happened to me yesterday too. Hawks are out!