Hawks

[water4two]

When are my standard cochins big enough where hawks will not be an issue any longer or are hawks an issue regardless of size?
When they are out of a run area I am with them, but I like to give them a little more freedom within my fence backyard with less worry.

Thank you for the help!

 

[Uppity Peon]

Hawks can always be a threat. Try to provide plenty of cover. Chickens get pretty good at spotting hawks. Today I noticed my 8 weekolds suddenly run for cover (even thought they are in a run with fine deer netting over the top). Then I saw the hawk race by with a bunch of barn swallows harassing it.

 

[TipsyDog]

My neighbor just got full grown EE carried off by hawks around here. Hawks can be pretty impressive hunters. I don't think chickens are ever safe regardless of size.

 

[water4two]

TipsyDog & Uppity Peon thank you for your advice!

 

[rachaelc]

They are called chicken hawks for that reason I guess. Not pullet or chick hawks. heheh.
Rachael C - mother of all

 

[CMV]

Hawks are always a problem. The hawk that attacked my full-grown hen was literally half the hen's size. It didn't kill her, but only barely. The damage to my hen was devastating.