Just had my first hawk loss

[ginznchix]

I'm so bummed. A large hawk just killed my little Bitty, a sebright mix, my smallest chicken. We heard them screaming and my son ran over and chased it off but it was too late, Bitty was dead. I only have a small flock and can't afford to lose them so I guess I can't let them free range. There was lots of brush, trees and cover available but he just didn't make it to safety. Normally they get a little bit of range time in the afternoon but no more! They're gonna be unhappy but unhappy is better than dead. Darn I'm bummed!

 

[Aubrinator]

My cochin/Australorp mix Daisy once fought a hawk while I was trying to figure out why there were 4 chickens instead of 3... Luckily I was out there. Sorry about your loss.

 

[dawg53]

Sorry for your loss. I lost one of my Barred Rocks to a hawk last month. I didnt have a rooster then, but now I do. So far, he's done an excellent job keeping an eye on the hens and keeping them in line. I let them free range when I'm at home, but lock them up when I'm away from home.

 

[ginznchix]

Quote:
I have a couple of roos out there and they were all hollering but it still happened. I just rehomed a big JBG roo because he was mean, but no hawks came around him! Maybe I should get him back!

 

[al6517]

Quote:
I am sorry to hear it but I am also glad to hear you have made the right choice to keep them safe, instead of hawk dinner again, perhaps some other folks who free range their birds unsupervised can learn from your choice and realistic vision. Good luck.

AL