Lost my first bird to a hawk today.

[ChickenWisperer]

Thanks guys.

 

[NateinFL]

Just let them free-range when you are home, that's what I do...as soon as I hear them causing a ruckus, I (along with my excellent guard dog) run out there and diffuse the situation. Definitely don't let baby chicks free range, hawk will be off with them before you can make it out. I had a Cooper's attack my roo and the sounds were intense I got out there and chased the hawk off, roo was bleeding a bit but fine. But make sure you are within earshot of them otherwise they must be in a covered pen or you will eventually lose them to the hawks.

 

[Reg]

Quote:
Crows always see off a hawks or Herons specially if they are nesting nearby.

 

[Reg]

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What size are your Hawks over there ?

 

[MissD'uccle]

Quote:
I HAD the exact same thing happen to me today. I was in the run feeding my birds some treats and out of the corner of my eye saw a very large bird hit the netting, bounce off and fly to the top of a small pine tree about six feet from the run. It was a red tailed hawk. I have had them take birds five feet away from me when the run was uncovered, so I covered it. No problems since. I'm sorry for your loss, it is definately traumatizing!

Luckily he didn't take a bunch of your girls and now you can fix the problem so he doesn't get any more!

 

[drumstick diva]

Pickles, I would take down the bird feeders, that does attract the hawks because its easy for him to pick off birds one by one.

He will be even happier to see you get chickens, he won't have to kill so many to make a meal. If there is enough time between removing the feeders and getting your chicks, he may break the habbit of hanging around there for lunch.

 

[drumstick diva]

I know people string cd's and fishing line etc trying to discourage hawks. Lee Valley (google them) has holographic scare tape to deter birds around gardens. Maybe that would help with hawks also. they have a 100 foot roll of what they describe as"tough, metalized plastic film for $ 8.50 plus shp. If you go to their website be sure to check that you want USA prices, they also show them in Canadian dollars.

 

[mama2many]

My condolences.... It is hard to lose one of your babies. I too know your loss. I have lost 2 guineas and 4 chickens to predators this winter, I should mention that I have around 50. My girls free range and my guineas were taken at night by what we belive to be an owl. You are doing your very best to keep them safe and that is what counts, keep working to keep them safe and love them while they are here. Best of luck.

 

[Pickles03]

Reg....I believe what I have coming to my yard is a Red Tail Hawk...The are all over the country side where I live....hanging out on fence posts and up on hydro posts.
They look pretty big to me....size of a small dog....looked it up in my bird book...says on average 19" long and 2.4 lbs.

 

[Pickles03]

Quote:
I know, and I fear it may come to this. I do enjoy the bird feeder and have attracted a nice array of birds. I was hoping perhaps the attracting of crows may be a solution that works.
I was walking my dogs just two days ago and could hear them caw'ing at the end of my street so they are already nearby....just not hanging out in my yard...yet.