Protecting Against Hawks & Eagles

[KoFamilyFarm]

Hi! I'm new to the board, but was hoping someone out there might have some suggestions. We lost our last flock to some very hungry hawks and an eagle, and have been trying to come up with a budget-friendly coop design that might prevent this from happening to our new flock. Any ideas please??


We've got a pretty big open space, and right now our babies are a little tiny, so we're very worried. Some pictures.

 

[dianaross77]

Your best bet would be to build a run and cover it. Bird netting or wire or string cris crossed over the top would keep hawks out. You could also plant some bushes for cover.

 

[KoFamilyFarm]

Hmm.. thank you! I think I might give the string a shot. The areas a bit large for wire...

 

[bryan99705]

Another thing that works very well against hawks, eagles, ravens, seagulls, etc is fruit tree netting. Just remember it will NOT stop a coon.

 

[dianaross77]

Just make sure the strings are closer together than the wingspan of the birds you're trying to keep out. A bright color might help too.

 

[spotstealer]

Here is what I did, it also helps for the rain. I don't think I even have fifty bucks into it (the canopy and framing). I modified a PVC green house design and attached it to a fence I already had in place.

 

[RiddleMe]

I've also read about hanging CDs/DVDs from the string, I think the reflection as they move in the wind is supposed to confuse them/make it harder for them to focus on the chickens? My run is covered in chicken wire and so far, no issues with hawks, and we have plenty. But I haven't quite gotten the courage to let them free range yet, waiting until they're closer to full grown.

 

[centrarchid]

Quote:
Can you house Steve with your birds during day at least? He should be large enough even eagles will steer clear of him.

 

[LCTX-Chickens]

I plan to use 1/4" hardware cloth for my 4' x 4' x 4' coop. This will be raised 2' off the ground & sitting inside a 6' x 12' chain link dog kennel that will have a tin roof over the top. This will sit inside of a 30' x 30' fenced dog run that has an electric wire around the perimeter with a fence charger on it. We have a lot of hawks, & lots of possums & racoons around our place plus an occasional coyote. Hoping my approach will provide the appropriate security for the birds... Any feedback sincerely appreciated!