Hawks and the damage they do.

What kind of dogs?

My Golden Retriever never even lifted her head when the hawk swooped down after my BO and EE. If I hadn't heard their screams and come outside right as the hawk was making swoop #2, they would have been toast.
 
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Or you could shoot the hawks and keep real quiet about it
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X2 !!!

x3 , i recommend SSS, but just don't post on here what you decide to do, someone might snitch
 
My dogs are rescues. Mixes. I foster for the local Humane Society sometimes. The 10 yr old is a 60 lb Rottie Mix, the 5 yr old was a dump out and is about 30 lb Basenji Mix. Got both at 6 mo of age. I have had this bunch of chickens for 3 yrs. The Basenji mix will growl at the hens if they are trying to take his food. Ive seen him and a hen get into it over food! But he never hurts her. However, stray cats dont stand a chance in my yard. They know who belongs to me and who doesnt.

pam in TX
 
netting is expensive. What I used, and is working so far, is the bright orange tape used to tie on stakes for marking purposes. It comes on a roll and is thin and bright orange and stretchy. I tied it from one side to the other. It's lightweight and flaps in the breeze. Don't know if hawks/owls see color or not, but I put it about every two-three feet. It would be hard for them to fly into the pen with a wing getting tangled. It's cheaper than netting. You might try it.
 
I'm a little confused here. Is it illegal to kill a hawk or shoot one. Just because he's shot does not mean he's dead. I know I'm in the minority but no way could I stand idly by and watch a hawk kill my hens.
 
There is only one way to eliminate the hawk problem, and that is permanent relocation. Talk to your DNR office to see if they will assist or offer advice.
These birds are smarter than most people realize. They know what is in these nice little coops around the countryside and seek them out even along their migration routes.
 
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The federal law makes it unlawful to pursue, hunt, take, harm, capture, kill or sell raptors (including hawks), their nests, or eggs in part or whole.

And, if you see a hawk there is no reason to watch it kill your hens. Unlike some other predators, you're in no danger in confronting a hawk unless you try to grab it. You or a dog charging into the yard is often enough to put a hawk off of prey.
 
I have used bird feeders. I get a lot of wild birds but they seem to keep the hawks away. I lost 3 hens 2 years ago and after a farmer told me to do this I haven't lost any and my chickens free range.
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As much as I would love to kill them I can't because I know they are only doing what they do and that's getting food just like our chickens are doing.

We have an eagle here and really I would hate to lose a chicken to it but I would love to see it closer. It is so beautiful.
 
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Maybe that is why we do not have predator issues including deer. Our dogs do their business in the horse pasture which is the back and both sides of our property in addition to the front excluding the driveway out. They run anything out of the yard when they are out there and bark at the front door at things we don't even see or hear.
We have been blessed to not loose chickens to predators. Our place is 2 acres that was the end section of a hay pasture so it is a flat area but the forest trees are across the street and down beyond the valley behind and beside us. Do some of these animals not tend to get out into open areas?

We do have issues with hawks flying over. Have not had any come down but on the days when we see 30 or more of those large birds flying over the chickens stay cooped up. My husband says they could be vultures and says they won't come down to get live animals.

We just keep praying for God to keep the animals safe.
 

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