Need help....and answers please....

[savingpurple]

A good friend that has chickens, and has raised them for a very long time, told me that mine (18 weeks) are way to big for a hawk to get? Now, I was seriously under the distinct impression that full grown chickens are and can be a target for a hawk.

Am I right, or is he?

Because if he is, then I can let mine free range without fear of the hawk taking them....(when I am home that is)

 

[Nicole01]

Hawks eat full grown chickens.

 

[dainerra]

it depends on the type of hawk that is common in your area. Many hawks are small and would be unable to carry off a large chicken.
Other hawks would just dive attack and possibly eat the bird on the spot.

 

[MandyH]

IT had been MY experience that hawks do attack grown chickens. If the chicken is too big to carry off they will just eat the head and whatever else they want and leave the carcass.

 

[DinosRBirds]

Quote:
you are right. most full grown chickens have risk of this unfortunate event. if they are too big, i think it'll eat em' on spot

 

[homesteadapps]

Also in NW/Central Ohio. We let our layer chickens free range 100%. Even the pen is not covered. I've only ever seen one hawk nearby and they generally lose interest quickly when loud noises, people or barking dogs are around. Around here, I think hawks tend to look for smaller animals that are less trouble like rabbits, rodents, etc...

If you are outside when a hawk, buzzard, or other large bird is around the roosters will alert the hens something is in the air with a high to low siren like whistling noise and the hens will head for cover.

Depends on your situation, but if you have a outdoor dog, or are going to be home the chickens they should be fine. We let our chicks loose as soon as it's warm enough for them.

 

[pokey]

Yep they eat them on the spot.and will come back again......

 

[savingpurple]

Thanks....I have hawks all the time here over head as a general rule. Live in the Metro Park central here in my area...LOTS of hawks. What kind???? Have no clue, but always see them with smaller birds like robins. In my yard.

Will keep my hens in the covered pen then. Have no rooster to alert them, but will let them free range when I can then.

Thanks so much!

 

[JodyJo]

I live in a rural area...and have a nesting pair of Swainsons Hawks, in my back yard, have never had a problem, but that doesn't mean they won't be a problem...so far so good for us.

 

[ChickenAl]

If hawks are a problem then you should always be with your chickens when they free range. Not that that will stop all attacks, but it will deter most hawks somewhat if you are there. Free ranging has its dangers from the ground or above, and only a secure fenced in area with a cover or screened in roof is safe enough to leave them unattended. And the fence needs to have 1/2" hardware cloth wrapped 4' up on the sides.

We have hawks but no rooster to warn the girls. The local crows will start squawking when chasing a hawk or if something comes into their view and the girls run for the coop.