I finally know what you mean by "Hawk Attack".

Ive had multiple hawk attacks through my years of having chickens.
They always take my bantams! But they still try to go after are standards!
They are relentless and not scared of humans in the least.
A hawk tryed to go after are chicken (in its pet carrier) right next to us!
I was amazed at the nerve of this bird
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They don't have to be circling all the time.
If you have trees near by, they perch on the trees and observe/stalk are chickens till they go in for the kill.
They have become such a nuisance we have to make a roof covered run for them.

Don't even get me started on the raccoon problem we had tonight.
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2 huge raccoons the size of dogs were harassing my hen!
We shot them a few times and they just kept coming back...so fed up with things trying to eat my pets!
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I would also like to add, crows can sometimes be an issue.
maybe not one by itself but they will often gang up and take smaller birds!
Ive even seen a crow fighting with a vulture over a mouse...they are not as innocent as you think
 
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We have mature trees here. Plenty of hawk hiding spaces. This might pose a problem. Especially when the ducklings come.

Sorry about the dog sized coons! There is always something trying to eat our poultry!
 
Sharp-shinned Hawks love cover and like to hide in the tops and wait for prey... We have them here in AZ wintering every year. Most Hawks prefer open ground for hunting, but not the sharp-shinned and they are wizards at maneuvering in and out of cover when chasing their preferred prey which is small birds and they often hang out around yards with bird feeders to nab food.

Never have had one nail one of our chickens, but they do hunt the smaller birds our chickens attract.
 
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I noticed yesterday that the ducks were sticking to the perimeter of the yard where there is cover, and for the most part they were chillin' under the rose bushes all day. But I didn't see the hawks. They seem to be coming every 3 to 4 days. Still... watching for them!
 
Any suggestions for keeping hawks away? I don't really want to have to keep my silkies under protective cover at all times but will if it's the only fool proof protection.
 
Dogs work well and our Healer patrols, but still....

I was bummed to hear about a sharp shin attacking chickens as so far we have been spared simply probably because the smaller birds like quail and doves are easier to nab.

Never have lost a chicken to a hawk and not really sure why and neighbors have not been as lucky.

We get allot of hawks in AZ in the winter since they migrate here and Redail and Coopers are also very common in the skies above.

I have learned they do not like the sound of bottle rockets
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We have lost a chicken and a duck to a hawk this year. The chicken was just carried off, but my duck was pinned down where it attacked and eaten there. We pulled in the driveway to see the hawk holding her down. Once we got out of the car, the hawk flew away and left our poor duck mangled on the ground.
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We have vowed revenge. Since it is a threat to our flock, we are going to take it out. We are just now playing the waiting game for it to come back......We hope we get it before it gets one more. Be very aware! They WILL get your chickens!
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