How can I protect my hens and roos from the hawks??

[justachickenlover]

I am so annoyed at that hawk! I have 8 chickens total, 3 roos, and 5 hens. But then a hawk started coming and now from today, two are coming, the new one is bigger than the last one, and now my poor chickens can't even free range anymore! also I have read reviews about how the motion sensing owl doesn't always work, so I was hovering over the idea of crows, will they help??

I have had about three close calls, and the hawks have even killed some of the doves in my area. I know its illegal to kill, trap, or harass hawks, so I was willing to find a away to deal with this problem without being violent so PLZ HELP!!!!

 

[Chickassan]

Crows help yes they do. If your hawks are eating doves that's actually a good thing that means doves are their preferred prey and they are much less likely to go for your chickens. Hawks in general will try to go for something small and less likely to cause them injury if possible.

 

[Molpet]

my dog chases the hawks

 

[Chicken Girl1]

I've had hawk problems and the solution that worked best for me is to have a covered area for you chickens to stay in and free range them only when you are able to keep an eye on them. I've read that you could try hanging a flag nearby and its motion in the wind keeps the hawks at a distance. I've also read something about hanging up CDs and DVDs and the light reflecting off of them deters hawks as well. Never tried the last two so can't tell you if they work from personal experience. Good luck!

 

[ChattyChickens4Life]

Make sure they have a place to run and hide if a hawk attacks. If you have a 'good' rooster, then he should protect the girls! Best wishes!

-Chatty

 

[justachickenlover]

Thanks for the help! I was also wondering if dogs or outdoor animals can help as well.

 

[centrarchid]

Until you get settled in to keeping chickens, make certain the hawks cannot get at them. When I have heavy hawk pressure which at times can be worthy of a book, the chickens are kept penned except at end of day when I am out with them. Hawks may come in but I will drive them off.

Other protection options mentioned are expensive, require time to setup, or are at best inconsistent as measures to prevent losses to hawks.