I need help - Would this keep a hawk away

[GoChick]

I have a very safe coop and run, and 600 ft of electric fence surrounding it, which gives protection against coyotes, raccons, etc. Never lost a bird after putting up the fence, until a hawk decided to take residence nearby. I'm not sure if it is a juvenile or if it is mamma hawk, the thing is huge! It took two of my best 10 week old chick within a week.

Last week, it was facing off (playing chicken) my huge Brahma rooster, through the electric fence! I bet it was choosing which one to take for dinner, until we saw it and it flew away. Beautiful and deadly at the same time!

So, forget the good old free ranging days... at the same time, I don't want to keep them inside their run all day long. So I'm planning on building a daytime covered area, where they can do some almost-free ranging. The day area will be protected by the electric fence agains any land predators, but I need your expert opinions on which kind of netting I should use for the top. I hate hate hate to deal with that flimsy deer fencing you can buy at Lowes, it entangles everywhere, I hate it.
I saw this one on eBay, I don't really understand this, but the description says "45 lbs twine breaking strength" - not sure it would stand to a hawk's attack? - also, it is 2" wide. Any thoughts?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/80-X-50-CHI...189?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item337b894e7d

thanks!!

 

[GoChick]

Anybody?

 

[mandelyn]

Yes, it would stop/deter a hawk. It'll see the barrier and not go crashing into it. They're very protective of their wings, anything you can do to limit their flight will deter them, but netting will stop them outright.

 

[aafairchild]

Hey GoChick,

I don't have chicks of my own yet, but have a little experience with predatory birds. I would think covering the top of your runs with this should do the trick. Hawks must dive pretty much straight down on their prey. I will likely have this problem as well since hawks are very common here and they would likely prefer my chicks to field mice. Put something on the netting to make it easy to see and it should discourage the hawks. Please let me know what solution you find that works. I watch hunting hawks here everyday and know that I will need to protect my new daughters when they arrive.

Alice

 

[Mattemma]

I don't know about the one you are looking at.I suppose a stronger netting is good for a perm. and large run.As much as I HATE the bird netting I found that worked when loose.The hawk went down to the ground when it went on it.If it had been tight it would have broke through. Always keep it loose.Let the hawk get tangled up in it.At one time I had the bird netting attached to bamboo poles,trees and shrubs.It gave them a large covered area. and plenty of places to hide.

Nothing is 100%. I say give it a try.Right now I just have fishing line going across my back property,but they roam where there is no protection except hiding in the bushes.Good luck with the run.Maybe you can let them roam while you walk around with them for a few.I used to do that when I first got the chickens.I did yard work and they got some worms by hanging close to me.

 

[GoChick]

thanks all for the replies.

I will get white and add some ribbons or something shiny so the hawk can see it and hopefully not even try! It wont't be a permanent area, I wil probably move it every three months, depending on how much the chickens mow it down. I do let them forage outside when I'm around, but the hawk came last time when my husband was close by! Awesome creatures!

I'll update this post once the covered area is built and the chickens are out and about for a while, in case you guys want to find out if it worked!

Thanks all!