Hawks getting my chickens

[Eha46014]

I have been having a problem with hawks getting my chickens. What can I do or use to make sure my chickens can stay safe from predators?

 

[azygous]

In parts of the world where there are commercial egg operations where they permit the hens to free range after their morning work of laying is finished, where there is no trees and shrubs in large areas for cover, they build low ramadas for the hens to scurry under if they see a hawk.

 

[HeyHo]

What is your current set-up like? Do your chickens free-range? Or are they in a run?

I lost my favorite barred rock to a hawk recently -- right in front of me! So I'll be watching your thread. I have a coop with a covered run, but the attack happened while they were out for supervised free-range. I'm considering adding a additional fenced area (garden fencing) under some trees, perhaps with some fishing line cris-crossed across the top. I've heard mixed things about hanging CDs, ribbon, etc.

 

[llombardo]

What is your current set-up like? Do your chickens free-range? Or are they in a run?

I lost my favorite barred rock to a hawk recently -- right in front of me! So I'll be watching your thread. I have a coop with a covered run, but the attack happened while they were out for supervised free-range. I'm considering adding a additional fenced area (garden fencing) under some trees, perhaps with some fishing line cris-crossed across the top. I've heard mixed things about hanging CDs, ribbon, etc.

I have a side area for supervised free range and a net is over it. They go nowhere without a net overhead.

 

[lutherpug]

I don't currently free range my birds due to the very large hawk population in my vicinity. They have a large run and I used nylon netting over the entire thing. It wasn't super expensive-maybe $40 or so for a 25'x50' net. I'd like them to have access to the grass at some point so I'm planning to invest in some shrubs, small trees, and shelters in the area around their coop so maybe by next summer it will be a more palatable option.

 

[noregerts]

Hawks are the worst. Sneaky, fast, and smart. We used to free range but eventually gave up and made a large run, about 80x30, and covered the whole thing with deer netting. It works great Now they only get to come out if we are right there with them.
If you keep free ranging, it doesn't hurt to have a good rooster to at least give warning to the girls. It's by no means a fix, but it helps a little.

 

[clucking with my chicken]

Hawks are the worst. Sneaky, fast, and smart. We used to free range but eventually gave up and made a large run, about 80x30, and covered the whole thing with deer netting. It works great Now they only get to come out if we are right there with them.
If you keep free ranging, it doesn't hurt to have a good rooster to at least give warning to the girls. It's by no means a fix, but it helps a little.

I don't know what to say..
can you subscribe to my YouTube channel!

 

[Eha46014]

What is your current set-up like? Do your chickens free-range? Or are they in a run?

I lost my favorite barred rock to a hawk recently -- right in front of me! So I'll be watching your thread. I have a coop with a covered run, but the attack happened while they were out for supervised free-range. I'm considering adding a additional fenced area (garden fencing) under some trees, perhaps with some fishing line cris-crossed across the top. I've heard mixed things about hanging CDs, ribbon, etc.

My chickens free range most of the day, but they have a pin to go for shelter if needed, but I am currently down to only two hens due to hawks!

 

[Aunt Angus]

I've not lost one to a hawk (yet), but I've noticed a dramatic increase in hawk activity the past couple of weeks. I've decided to keep my girls - I only have 4 - penned for now. I am considering making a large netted area adjacent to their run (just posts with netting attached) until the hawks go away once breeding season is over. I have trees and bushes and other cover available, but that's not always super effective against Cooper's hawks, who are built for hunting in and under trees. I had two Cooper's in my eucalyptus yesterday!


My run is 113 sq feet with lots of fun stuff for them, but they do love free ranging. I feel bad for them, but I'd feel a lot worse if I lost one.

 

[HeyHo]

My chickens free range most of the day, but they have a pin to go for shelter if needed, but I am currently down to only two hens due to hawks!

Oh no! That's terrible!

My run is 113 sq feet with lots of fun stuff for them, but they do love free ranging. I feel bad for them, but I'd feel a lot worse if I lost one.

I hear you! My girls are frantic to get out, but I have been very very careful and they have gotten less recess since the attack. I'm creating a secondary penned area under deep tree cover so they get more time out of their run. Seems like we are all in a similar boat.