Is this enough hawk protection??

[gabby3535]

So, all in all.......is it better to then 'mow' the field, rather than keep the grass long with some mowed paths??

 

[Lu King]

The hawks that we have around here like to perch in our pine trees, rather than in regular trees like oak and maple. I don't know if that makes any kind of difference though.

I recently bought some turkeys too because I heard that hawks won't attack anything larger than they are. My turkeys aren't that large, but they are getting there.

 

[spook]

A few weeks past I was told that regular plastic netting used over fruit trees is not enough to protect poultry. Instead it was suggested that we put welded wire over the top. I still have the net, understanding that it could be a failure.
I have had a hawk fly in and tear apart grapevines to get to hens, succesfully.
So if you want to keep your hens safe, keep them in or build a tractor.
I do love seeing the Raptors, but I also adore my girls!

Lu King, some hawks will attack larger fawns, here in Maine, fawns can be a good size like a med-large dog. You are still taking a chance on your turkeys. Good luck!

 

[rainbowgardens]

It would also depend on the breed of chickens you raise.
Little blobs of white or buff pecking around in a green field would be really easy to spot.
I raise dominiques and speckled sussex. Their dark mottled coloring makes them blend in more with their environment. It's chicken camo!
Of course, you could always give your birds a dip in some green paint!

 

[BirdBrained]

Before my promotion at work I used to maintain (bush-hog) about 400 acres of tall grassland, I watched time after time as hawks would pick off mice in the tall grass. Unfortunately for our chickens, hawks are very good at what they do. IMO from what i've seen the tall grass would be a disadvantage to the chickens and the hawks would have no problem picking them off.I'd cut the grass and give the chickens a running chance. (just my 2 pennies worth).

 

[O2Shea]

Lost 3 free range chickens to hawks in February. It is May 2 & we just lost 3 more... including our rooster (which was quite large). Can't help but wonder if the price of their freedom is too hugh....