Hawk troubles

[tillyschick]

I have 2-3 week old chicks. A few hours a day I let them outside in a baby pen. I stay around or sit on the porch. I originally had half of it covered with a black tarp and then a bin inside tipped over so they have some other shelter and a warm place to nap. Well a few day ago when I was on the porch a hawk snatched one. I realized I need more covering. I kept the chicks in for a few day. Now they are in the baby pen but it is completely covered with a new tarp. It always air flow and some sunlight in. I also have a piece of that shinny tape on top. I had them out for an hour while I was on the porch. Then I saw a big shadow go by. 4 hawks were circles. I went out and shook my broom around and they backed

off. The crows were also angry and going after them. Baby chicks are now back inside. I came out an hour later and 3 were circling this time.

Is this tarp set up still bad? My big chickens have a coop and a outdoor chain link fence area with covering. So hopefully they are safe, the baby chicks are my big concern. Next week they will move into there own tiny coop with full covering but for now this is the set up. Anything I should change? Maybe I should move it under a tree?

 

[Millworker26]

Leave them inside for a week or 2 until they go into their coop? This may also
cause the hawks to go seek prey elsewhere.

 

[tillyschick]

I'm hoping that's the case and that they leave my bigger chickens alone.

 

[Zoomie]

Remember that a hawk can also hop along the ground, just like a chicken does. As long as the coop and run are secure, such that no chicken can get out, the hawks will not be able to get in. But I have heard too often of how a hawk actually went inside the coop or the run, because, the door was open. Even if you normally free range your chickens, I would leave them in a secure run for at least a while, until the hawk gets tired of checking your place for a free lunch and finally moves on to better hunting elsewhere.

 

[Lelilamom]

We have a cooper and a red tail that come back every 2 weeks to check the menu. Two days ago, three bald eagles were circling the coop. Unless you have a completely covered run/range, you will have to concede that your birds will be their lunch. I've lost 3, including my roo in the past 4 mos. 2 more I rescued while the hawk was in the act and the chicken survived.

I've read dozens of posts with all sorts of ideas. If you find something, please let us know. Everyone has hawk problems.