How can I tell a hawk in the sky?

[Fishkeeper]

You have hawks that target crows? That's really rare. Crows are large, comparatively dangerous, highly intelligent prey, which mob hawks even more enthusiastically than most birds.

 

[Abriana]

if you have safe places for them like brush, trees, bushes, porches, their coop, etc where they can run and hide they will probably be ok. I'd get a dog like a collie that is great with poultry as well. Also my rooster is very alert and always is paying attention and letting his ladies know if there is danger.

 

[MissChick@dee]

You have hawks that target crows? That's really rare. Crows are large, comparatively dangerous, highly intelligent prey, which mob hawks even more enthusiastically than most birds.

I don’t have crows I have ravens just as bad*ss when it comes to hawks. Got a matting pair down by the creek (300 yards) I LOVE THEM!!

 

[Al Capon]

Your chickens will tell you when there is a hawk around by their behaviour (all of them staring at the source of concern) and making a kinda throaty growl (for want of a better term).

I wish...

Mine stand there like idiots and probably think, "oh, look at that big pretty bird".

 

[Pork Pie]

I wish...

Mine stand there like idiots and probably think, "oh, look at that big pretty bird".

 

[meetthebubus]

When a big blackbird lands near my girls enclosure they all go running to look at it like it's a celebrity

 

[Al Capon]

When a big blackbird lands near my girls enclosure they all go running to look at it like it's a celebrity

I seriously wish there was a drone fashioned in the silhouette of a hawk that I could buzz my chickens with a few times a day, get them in the habit of running from danger. If anybody knows of such a thing, post it.

 

[Chickassan]

Iv'e seen my whole flock gather around a cooper's hawk eating a chipmunk on the ground and just watch. I compared it to hotdogs watching you eat a hamburger. I think the hawk was more concered then they even thought about being.

 

[MissChick@dee]

Where I live we have hot springs all thoughout the canyon. We’re actually in a volcano crater. The ranchers that grow hay/alfalfa corn and potatoes have over the generations grazed their cattle over winter in their fields. There is always open water no matter the temperature. This little oasis in the desert is a mecca for migratory birds. All kinds, I love to watch birds. They feed in the corn fields get a drink rest...and most move on. We have raptors as small as kestrel’s to as large as bald eagles (to the north & south). I think folks that say they don’t have hawks just have not seen them. @Fishkeeper you have a great knowledge of raptors.
And great advice. Knowing the habits is so helpful. And Ravens lol the worst thing they’ve taken out of my backyard is a waffle! (Long story) I wouldn’t mind having them establishing a home in my yard. But if I tried I would get other birds that would attract predators. I used to feed wild birds but after my first year with chickens I stopped when I realized what I was doing. Best wishes

 

[Anna Ranieri]

You have hawks that target crows? That's really rare. Crows are large, comparatively dangerous, highly intelligent prey, which mob hawks even more enthusiastically than most birds.

Sorry I realise my mistake, I'm meant to put starlings as well as blackbirds. Thank you for pointing out my mistake as I'd hate to mislead anyone into thinking something which is incorrect. We do have lots of crows around here and they congregate on the trees surrounding our garden but thankfully they don't give us any trouble nor ever land in our garden - the blackbirds often try to land in our garden but my chickens and ducks chase them away lol