Hawks

[RobC123]

When I let my chickens free range I often see hawks fly above them . Is there anyway to try to keep the hawks away? I’ve heard of using a fake owl or fake eagle but wasn’t sure if that works . Please let me know

 

[chickenlittle21]

When I let my chickens free range I often see hawks fly above them . Is there anyway to try to keep the hawks away? I’ve heard of using a fake owl or fake eagle but wasn’t sure if that works . Please let me know

The fake owl works and you can even get fake owls with rotating heads

 

[Lady of McCamley]

Keeping them locked up or under bird netting at all times is the only sure way to keep birds safe from air predators...air strike is particularly challenging.

My first year I suffered significant losses from hawks. Over the years I've bred and broody raised birds solely on my property, and survival of the fittest has kicked in. I've noticed my birds have gotten really hawk savvy. I've also chosen colors that match well with my bark ground color (black and gold laced browns). I tended to lose white and buff birds pretty fast.

As to what you can do now, you can string up bird netting between select trees to give them some cover. Hanging cds can cause glare which will deter them. Having a savvy rooster will help as he will sound the alert.

But nothing is sure proof. I have not had a hawk kill, knock on wood, for almost 2 years now, maybe 3, since I went to sustainable flock raising. My birds are pretty dang savvy, have lots of hidey holes, bird netting, and a very alert rooster.

And one thing to add: If you do get a serious hawk fly by, or worse kill, lock up the birds for several days. Once you get a kill, they WILL be back. You have to break that cycle of easy food.

My thoughts.
LofMc

 

[RobC123]

Keeping them locked up or under bird netting at all times is the only sure way to keep birds safe from air predators...air strike is particularly challenging.

My first year I suffered significant losses from hawks. Over the years I've bred and broody raised birds solely on my property, and survival of the fittest has kicked in. I've noticed my birds have gotten really hawk savvy. I've also chosen colors that match well with my bark ground color (black and gold laced browns). I tended to lose white and buff birds pretty fast.

As to what you can do now, you can string up bird netting between select trees to give them some cover. Hanging cds can cause glare which will deter them. Having a savvy rooster will help as he will sound the alert.

But nothing is sure proof. I have not had a hawk kill, knock on wood, for almost 2 years now, maybe 3, since I went to sustainable flock raising. My birds are pretty dang savvy, have lots of hidey holes, bird netting, and a very alert rooster.

And one thing to add: If you do get a serious hawk fly by, or worse kill, lock up the birds for several days. Once you get a kill, they WILL be back. You have to break that cycle of easy food.

My thoughts.
LofMc

Thank you !!