Lost 2 chicks to a Hawk that wont go away - Hawk questions

[wegotchickens]

Quote:
They have a territory and they stay there year round, I believe.

 

[Theda's Mom]

Many hawks migrate; check bird books for information on your local species. Here in Southern NH, most of our hawks are moving south in large numbers -- headed to warmer latitudes for the winter.

The down side is that they're also out and about HUNTING, which probably accounts for the sudden and mysterious loss of one of my guineas yesterday evening. First there were the usual eleven, and then there were ten. And the whole time (perhaps 30-40 minutes?), I was in and around the barn. Whatever took the guinea came in fast, which suggests to me that a hawk was involved.

Fortunately my beloved five chickie girls are all okay.

Susan

 

[Aun <HIS><]

I lost a sweet gal yesterday. The first one I've lost, and I'm devastated. I'm sorry this happened Doodledo. It is bound to happen, even when we do our best to safe-guard them.

Even though I was outside most of the day yesterday, I never heard or saw a thing and didn't know she was gone until the roost count last night. This afternoon, my daughter came running in from outside after seeing a hawk fly over the large open area of our yard where the hens were free ranging. So we got them all inside the coop (boy that took a LOT less time to type than to actually do!), and despite yummy fruit goodies, they were disgruntled then for the rest of the evening.

I'll get the temporary run set up tomorrow and keep them in there for a few days. We use a huge screen tent for a run and put 2x4s ontop of the bottom edges all the way around. It works REALLY well, and it was only $35.

 

[SpottedCrow]

My hawk came back this morning...I had just put up the feeder because I was getting complaints and DH walked into the house and there he was...sitting in the tree over the feeder...not 10 feet away from the house.

Of course I didn't have my camera ready.un I only saw him because I opened the door for DH.
Too bad I can't teach him to eat the neighbour's GSP that they let run loose.

 

[ibradly]

Quote:
What is GSP?

 

[Tuffoldhen]

German Shorthaired Pointer

 

[w8tn4fresheggs]

Does anyone know the time frame that the hawks are usually out and about? Or are they out at all times of the day?

I swear I have seen the same hawk everyday at around 1 to 2 pm. Then he leaves. I think he sees something, but he can't get to them. The girls are in the coop and run until after 3:30 pm and then they free range. Lots of evergreens to hide in. But they are getting brave and forage on the open grass areas too.



Steph

 

[SpottedCrow]

Mine's out from around 11-1 or 2. Almost every day.

 

[Rafter 7 Paint Horses]

I am beginning to think that all the hawks that migrate...come here!!!
We have several different varieties. I even had a Cooper hawk graze the back of my head one day when DH was chasing it off.
They are very brave...like they know they are protected. I can't wait until they come off the endangered list!!!

They show up here at all times of the day. I've seen them at 7 am and as late as 6 pm. There is an adult pair that show up around 2 pm every day. They sit on top of an old Oak tree & watch. They have had a few run-ins with the dogs, so they are very cautious. If my free-rangers get too far off, I know I will losing one or two. DH did lose a Game cockeral last week, I guess the dogs chased it off, cause it didn't get to eat it.
I just love my Great Pyrenees, they are proving to be well worth the money.

Jean

 

[Chatychick]

Well when a hawk shows up at my chicken area its the old *SSS* and I live far from anyone or sity too, but I have shot a few...then I just let the chickens have at them after they are down. Since they are the 1's that let me know something is out there its their prize and man do they ever tear it up...I have lost a few to hawks but lately I havent I think if you shoot at 1 they get the picture really fast and if by chance you hit it and it dont make it back to the nest...oh well...I know htye have to eat but there are plenty of mice and rabbits around here ...Leave my chickens alone...

or else... thats just how I handle it around here... Good luck