I just found this thread. I lost a chick yesterday to a hawk. I didn't know that a hawk would be so bold as to snatch my little chick from my backyard, especially since I was out there frequently to check on the chicks. I had the entire veggie bed surrounded with chicken wire and an overhead umbrella and a second shelter inside the area. My three-week old chicks were just getting some outdoor time today in the sunshine to acclimate them to going outside.
There wasn't any overhead protection though, and when I went to bring my chicks inside, I noticed that one was missing. I checked the area and couldn't find her, but if she had gotten out, there would be a distress call from her. When I came out to bring them in, a hawk flew overhead very close to the yard, and I could see a second one circling nearby. I think they were red-tailed hawks. I am certain now that she was snatched during the day when I was inside for a few minutes.
I am so distressed that I lost my little Annabelle, and I am so upset that I didn't protect her better. We are building a coop and a run for the others. We hadn't planned on covering the run, but you can be sure that we will now, but now I am concerned for their safety when I let them out of the run to free range.
My only hope now is that she didn't suffer. I know that I will be suffering about this for a long time to come.
Your advice to never understimate hawks is good advice. I did underestimate them because I knew that they had been in the area before, but I didn't think they would be so bold to come into a small residential yard.
