Huge hawk has been hanging in my yard for 3 days

[OldGuy43]

First, there are a lot of hawks around my home everyday. Maybe I'm just lucky, but they've never bothered my hens.

Now for those who like to point out that it violates Federal Law to kill a bird of prey that's preying on your flock I'd like to point out that the fed's can't even keep people from illegally entering the country.

Sorry if I've offended someone, but it's a fact.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

the grim reaper waits
I have a few hawks, and only one unsuccessful attack, but then, was after week old chicks, the others are just too fast and savy, and there is so much else to eat, lets see what winter brings.
The best defense is cover. Provide over head cover the chickens can dive under. It also helps to have lots of bushes and tall weeds they can 'freeze' hide in. You may have to get creative. A hawk won't fly into an area it can't easily fly out of...sure there will be exceptions, but it will look for the easiest kill first.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
WRONG!!! ALL raptors are protected species under FEDERAL law. In some cases it MAY be possible to get a FEDERAL permit to remove a specific raptor. AFTER all other efforts to protect your livestock fail. Fines and jail time are quite hefty!

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
Hawks and owls rarely see each other to interact. Hawks are diurnal; owls are nocturnal.

 

[SteveBaz]

Quote:
WRONG!!! ALL raptors are protected species under FEDERAL law. In some cases it MAY be possible to get a FEDERAL permit to remove a specific raptor. AFTER all other efforts to protect your livestock fail. Fines and jail time are quite hefty!

X2 Federal Regulations protect HAWKS in every state in the United States. Eagles are the same. There is a list as long as your arms on protected predatory wild birds.

 

[Achickenwrangler#1]

Besides, you'd have to be very good to shoot a hawk, and then what is in your line of fire? Remember, what goes up, must come down. How many felonies do you want to rack up...just something to consider.
Just beef up the cover, you can't kill all the predators in the world....

 

[BubbaMcKayHee]

My understanding is that you would actually have to apply for a permit if hawks were a problem for your livestock. So some more research might be in order before you go that route.

I did find this link with the application.

http://www.fws.gov/forms/3-200-13.pdf