Hawks :( :( Need advice

[Bird is the word]

I really want to free range my chickens but hawks * sigh my chicken coop is located right by a nature preserve and many hawks pass by and every now and then try to get a chance at my chickens today I let out my hens and went to get some hay for my sheep and a see a hawk land very close to my chicken coop and my chickens where out !! The only reason I knew it was there was because it was screaming. I ran over as fast as I could and put away my chickens I tried to scare it away but it wouldnt leave. Will I ever be able to free range my chickens and what can I do ?

 

[centrarchid]

Restrict free-range time to later in the day when you can be out with the chickens. Provide feed so they stay relatively close by. If hawk comes in, then walk up on it looking it straight in the eye so it knows you see it. If you can't be out with birds, then keep them confined.

 

[KreetchaKeepa]

I don't know if it's true or not, but I watched a video on YouTube where a man said that he solved his hawk problem by having black chickens. He said the hawk thinks the black chickens are crows and it deters them. Again, no idea if it's true or not. I have 2 black chickens myself, but tons of crows around. I've never seen a hawk around here, despite living in a prime environment for them.

 

[55FloweryHen]

Do you have any roosters? They are good for protecting and alerting your flock of danger, and maybe make a run, unless you already have one. Maybe make a Scarecrow or something there is many ways to avoid hawks, Goodluck to you and your hens!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

Do you have a dog? My dogs are pretty good at detering hawks just by being there. At least I've never had one hang around when the dogs are out.

 

[55FloweryHen]

Do you have a dog? My dogs are pretty good at detering hawks just by being there. At least I've never had one hang around when the dogs are out.

Yes!!! This is exactly what both my dog and my rooster do they are great at it!

 

[Bird is the word]

Do you have any roosters? They are good for protecting and alerting your flock of danger, and maybe make a run, unless you already have one. Maybe make a Scarecrow or something there is many ways to avoid hawks, Goodluck to you and your hens!

No I don't have a rooster and can't have one due to laws

 

[Bird is the word]

Do you have a dog? My dogs are pretty good at detering hawks just by being there. At least I've never had one hang around when the dogs are out.

I unfortunately don't have a dog because I am allergic to almost everything but birds

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I unfortunately don't have a dog because I am allergic to almost everything but birds

Bummer. There are some hypoallergenic breeds but I'm not sure how legitimately hypoallergenic they are. Even dogs that have hair instead of fur can sometimes not be great for allergies from what I understand. Worth looking into at any rate. My poodle mix has been good for my kid's allergies but thats just anecdotal lol

 

[Isadora]

Really there's not a whole lot you can do about hawks.
A hawk attack happens in seconds. Even if you or dogs or whatever supposed deterrents are out there when one goes for a chicken, you just flat out don't have the time to react to prevent a casualty.