Hawk!!

[minaayindra]

The hose worked. I will

I supervise pretty vigilantly when my flock is foraging. I didn't think my teeny tiny bantam cockerel would make such a difference - esp as he's only 5 months old - when it came to looking out for predators, but they listen to him. If he sees anything in the sky, he sounds the alarm, and everyone runs for cover. He lets out a crazy velociraptor sound. He even alerts to airplanes.... Crazy little Picotee... Homey doesn't even weigh 2 lbs...
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He's beautiful! So much spirit in such a tiny body! I haven't had a bold approach since the other day but now I have a bobcat jumping on the coop roofs to see if he can get in (he can't but he's denting the metal roofs). I think I scared him off- funny, I'm far less concerned with him than I am the hawks. My rooster seems a tiny bit more observant and I'm thrilled how they listen to him and his various sounds. Not a predator in MY sight yesterday but he made a specific noise and they all went screeching into the coop. You've got to love 'em- not so much the hawks.

 

[chickpeasoup]

This is timely for me- I live in an area with a large population of hawks, more than one type, and I provide covered runs, shiny objects, fake owls, all of the recommended things. While my hens don't go out often and never in a large group, I stay with them the entire time they are out. For one flock, they even have a rooster... so, I was confused yesterday when a Red-tail hawk flew over and wheeled around, continuously coming over and dropping lower. I was right there, waving frantically and yelling, trying to upset him and drive him off. The rooster didn't even seem to notice him so there was a huge risk. Is this normal for hawks to ignore people standing with the chickens and come in anyway? I have tons of brush to hide in but the chickens seemed to be as oblivious as the rooster. I'm not sure what else I can do except keep them inside all the time, which seems kind of cruel. It isn't even a winter situation where there is no food, there is still plenty around for a hawk to eat. Suggestions?

It's not unusual for a hawk to have no fear, this hawk I'm dealing with has literally flown straight at me and I had to duck. Shiny things, fake owls, the only real way to deal with hawks is cover. You can try training your hens to take cover by scooching them into the bushes while making a sound, then give them a treat. That way they associate the sound with getting to cover. Your chickens are probably oblivious because they don't know the hawk is dangerous, my younger chickens were dumb and walked up to the hawk as it was killing a pigeon. My older experienced hens were already under cover, it was only when the hawk went after them a few days later did they realize the hawk isn't friendly. Don't feel too bad about keeping chickens in their run, as long as there is enough space and things to do they'll be happy and healthy.

 

[minaayindra]

Yes, it seems the guineas are the only birds with the smarts to know EVERYTHING is dangerous up here- lol I have no worries about their survival and I think my rooster is getting a little more savvy with each week. My smaller hens are still clueless but they like their coop so much, they won’t leave it for more that 15-20 minutes at a time, if I’m standing there watching them.