Intro and chickens getting hawked!

[Guardihen]

I had about 14 hens and a rooster out in the Ohio countryside. Fast forward 2 yrs and now I was down to 3 after a few hens brooding and chicks. Anyone else experience this??

 

[OnlySympathy]

Welcome to BYC!

That sounds like lack of cover and poor hawk management. I think cover speaks for itself but they need to be able to hide at a moments notice. And anytime there is a hawk attack you should keep all your birds locked in a secure run for 2 weeks. Without that hawks just see your property as a buffet and won’t move on to find other food

 

[GodLovesU]

Sorry to hear about your losses. Good luck!

 

[BlindLemonChicken]

I have driven through Ohio and I suspect your problem is not enough cover. Do you have a picture of what their free range area looks like? I haven’t lost any to hawks but I’ve only had chickens here since May. This is what my chickens spend their days in. When they spot/hear a hawk they vanish. I can’t even find them.

 

[BoundlessLove]

Welcome to Backyard Chickens!
Chickens need plenty of cover areas like woods, large shrubs and bushes, and yard clutter.
My chickens mainly will use all of the above plus sometimes use our vehicles, tractors, equipment, etc.