Red tail hawk is killing our flock

[Aceoky]

Regardless of state laws (In the US) Fed law makes it a crime...

Here try these IF you can legally/safely in your area

https://reedjoseph.com/products/pyrotechnics/

 

[NashvilleLuLu]

In restaurants by the ocean in New England, they string fishing line in a wide grid to prevent seagulls from ambushing customers' plates while dining, and it works well. It can cover a large area of square footage with relatively few materials. May not be practical over a pasture though.

You gave us an idea! Half the pasture is flanked by trees and 200-300ft across from them are different spaced out structures, ie: shed, barn, house. We've got tall ladders. We may be able to rig some lines to act as a deterrent. Definitely wouldn't be impenetrable, but it could trip the hawk up enough to encourage him/her to move on. THANK YOU FOR THE INSPIRATION.

 

[Kris5902]

Just remember those lines can also entangle said raptor necessitating a rescue! My husband was over at a neighbors who has lines strung up like this just over head height, they thought they saw one of his chickens entangled... but no it was a hawk. They had to wrap it in a towel, cut the line and rescue/release it. It was not the safest situation to be in. Hawk flew off and sat in a tree for a bit, it hasn’t been back since though!

 

[Bryant Redhawk]

I have lots of hawks and owls around and I've found that Red 60 lb. test fishing line strung over the half acre chicken area has done a fine job of keeping the winged ones from trying to get an easy meal. I have it strung at about 8 feet from the ground and it makes around 1 foot squares, the hawks can see it since it is red colored and they don't even bother trying anymore. I've seen several here think that paying the 100,000 dollar fine and spend a year in the federal prison, is a good way to go. All hawks, Owls, Eagles are protected and have been since 1975. The law was even reinforced with stiffer penalties in the 1990's.

 

[Sue Gremlin]

You gave us an idea! Half the pasture is flanked by trees and 200-300ft across from them are different spaced out structures, ie: shed, barn, house. We've got tall ladders. We may be able to rig some lines to act as a deterrent. Definitely wouldn't be impenetrable, but it could trip the hawk up enough to encourage him/her to move on. THANK YOU FOR THE INSPIRATION.

Yay! Please keep us posted.
Maybe you can tie flags to the lines in places so birds of prey can see them?