Icelandic Chickens

[Jake Levi]

Thats a real bummer Kathy, I am sorry it happened, but this is why mine are staying in until I can build covered runs.

Your 3 roos in that one photo are gorgeous. Many of your hens look like my girls. I am glad they are all okay, and your project birds too.

Did you see the hawks enough to ID them?

The Harris Hawks which are usually further south and west of you do hunt in just that way, they are a deep redish brown all over. The alternative could be a brood of Buteos getting hunting experience. What color were they?

 

[The Sheriff]

Oh no Kathy I am so sorry. I had no idea hawks would attack in groups. At the last house we had two that would travel together but I never dreamed they would come en mass. The pictures are just heartbreaking. Michael and I spent part of yesterday and today covering the layer/Isbar yards with netting. They look a lot nicer uncovered but just not worth it.
RIP little birds. I know words won't make it better but you have friends here who really care.

50' x 50' 2" opening flight netting over the whole yard.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Looks great Mary. It really disappears.

 

[Farmerboy16]

Quote:
Looks really nice!

Kathy, I am very sorry about your birds, I had lost over 30 young chickens in one summer to hawks,

so I understand what you are going thru. Hope you wont lose more.

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:
Much better than the green. I paid my penance for that mistake. I have about a thousand more zip ties to put on to get it nice and tight but hey, at least it is up and secure.

 

[kathyinmo]

I love it, Mary! They will be nice and safe in there.

 

[Happy Chooks]

Quote:
Much better than the green. I paid my penance for that mistake. I have about a thousand more zip ties to put on to get it nice and tight but hey, at least it is up and secure.

Good thing you have a really long railing! Less ladder time.

Kathy - my runs are not covered and can't be covered, as my original run is in our orchard. After the loss of a fully grown sex link to a Cooper's hawk (couldn't carry her off, but killed her), DH and I came up with this and we haven't had any hawk trouble since. But with all babies, it may be best to cover it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=5249927#p5249927

 

[The Sheriff]

Quote:
Much better than the green. I paid my penance for that mistake. I have about a thousand more zip ties to put on to get it nice and tight but hey, at least it is up and secure.

Good thing you have a really long railing! Less ladder time.

Kathy - my runs are not covered and can't be covered, as my original run is in our orchard. After the loss of a fully grown sex link to a Cooper's hawk (couldn't carry her off, but killed her), DH and I came up with this and we haven't had any hawk trouble since. But with all babies, it may be best to cover it.
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=5249927#p5249927

No real ladder time at all. The netting drapes down over the sides and attaches to the top of the five foot fence. The only time I need the ladder is to staple the netting to the roof of the coop. Thank goodness. With all the ground squirrel tunnels I'd break a hip!

 

[Happy Chooks]

Speaking of ground squirrels, have they eaten your parsley yet?

 

[kathyinmo]

That's a great idea, Kelly! I happen to have some of those posts, too!

By the way..... your kids are looking great!