Helpful tips to Help Prevent Predators Needed !!!!

[kkgamb]

So this is our 1st flock ever and I am a new chicken mother.
Today while I was in the house taking care of my human children a hawk got one of my Rocks while she was free ranging with her sisters. I can't even begin to tell you how guilty I feel. Like I didn't protect her and I didn't hear or see it happen. Having super mom guilt and was wondering if there is any way to help prevent hawk attacks or do I literally have to just keep them in the run and not let them free range unless I'm outside ?
Any knowledge or tips would be great
Thanks

 

[DobieLover]

Can you have roosters where you are? They are great at watching for aerial assaults. Providing lots of cover (trees, shrubs, etc.) helps too.
We have hawks (coopers and red tail) in our area. Our flock tends to stick to areas where they are close to cover (under our deck or porch, under shrubs or in thickets). We've seen the coopers fly over three different times with snakes in it's talons. We also have 2 cockerels and so far, so good.