Hawks, any methods to keep them at bay?

[The ChickenKing]

When the chickens were first allowed out, there had been no problems with hawks because of our Bernese Mountain Dogs tendency to follow the chickens around the yard. But when he passed in august, the hawks started checking out the girls, even going after them a few times. Luckily, our rooster always saw them coming and would herd the girls to safety. He even fought the hawks directly sometimes! But since then, he is no longer with us. So now with my girls unprotected, I ask if there is anything I can do to keep away the hawks?

 

[Beekissed]

Our crows are an integral part of our hawk defense here and I couldn't do it without them. The dog helps but he's getting older now and less attuned to aerial threats, but the crows are vigilant and very aggressive to the hawks. They forage in a part of the meadow that the chickens rarely go, so they don't come into any contact but even if they did I wouldn't worry one bit about disease.

You can establish crow feeding stations around the perimeter of your land by placing pedestal feeders with field corn.

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[centrarchid]

Actually you need your flock in a large, covered run - keeps out hawks, climbers, and offers some shade and maybe protection from rain/snow.If you free range you have to expect losses to a variety of predators.  Once a pred  gets an easy meal  they keep coming back  until  they have devastated your flock OR died of" lead poisoning."

Or numerous crushing dog bites.

 

[moetrout]

I keep bottle rockets by the back door and shoot a couple off in their direction when I see them. No way could I hit them, but the noise is enough to get them to move on. Do this often enough and they will seek other place to hunt. It has worked pretty good for me so far. Illegal to shoot a bird of prey, FEDERAL law prohibits it.

 

[SkyWorld]

You can put up a pole in the middle of your yard where the chickens are most vulnerable and string clothes line that radiate around to other poles or trees. Attach flashy CDs or material to distract the hawks. Hawks are very good at maneuvering, but they don't like to get hurt in the process of swooping around. Hope you find something that will help you.

 

[The ChickenKing]

Thanks for your suggestions, bottle rockets actually sound kinda fun! I've also heard that crows seem to deter hawks. Any input on this?

 

[SkyWorld]

Yes, crows don't care for hawks and will gang up on hawks when they stray into their territory, however crows are notorious for raiding other birds' nest for eggs and baby chicks. Hummingbird and Mocking birds also go after hawks, but they are harder to train.

 

[The ChickenKing]

Yes, crows don't care for hawks and will gang up on hawks when they stray into their territory, however crows are notorious for raiding other birds' nest for eggs and baby chicks. Hummingbird and Mocking birds also go after hawks, but they are harder to train.

Awesome! I think I'll try with crows as ive seen a few by me. I don't think they should be a problem since my girls are all around the same size as them.

 

[enola]

Harassing hawks by shooting off bottle rockets is illegal...... Just so you know.....

 

[SkyWorld]

Wish you the best! I too have six hens, two of which are Black Australorps. They kinda look like a crow and I guess that was one of the reason they are a successful breed. We are always out with our chickens and when we hear a hawk they get quickly put back into the protected run.