Red tailed hawk killed my chicken

[Nambroth]

I think I'm getting ready to build a "fort!" If you're already seeing that many hawks around, then I'd watch after putting the chickens out. I'm sure they'll be thrilled with the new smorgasbord! I like hawks & I think they're beautiful birds...until they kill my chickens!!! They will carry off the small dogs too, so I don't blame you for watching your dog. I've heard that the crows will supposedly keep the hawks away (I can see why after reading your story) but I'm not sure if they do or not. At least the crows don't eat chickens! Good luck & let us know how it goes!

Crows can be a big help if your property is part of their home range. They should be considered part of an early warning system, but they aren't always around, and should only be part of your anti-hawk defenses. Be aware that crows can and will eat baby chicks-- but so do MANY other animals, even blue jays and squirrels, so it's always best to protect baby and young birds anyhow. I've found crows to be helpful.

 

[MoonShadows]

Quote:
I know! Now, last night I was reading all about chicken wire vs. hardware cloth (which I couldn't understand why you would use "cloth" instead of wire until I Googled it and found out is actually is wire!). Guess I'm going with the hardware cloth now. I certainly am glad I am not putting the "horse before the cart" or the "chicken before the coop", so to speak.. My babies won't arrive for over 2 months yet, and I won't begin building my coop until March, so I have plenty of time to do a lot of reading and learning on the best methods and practices.

Jim

 

[ChickTracy]

Crows can be a big help if your property is part of their home range. They should be considered part of an early warning system, but they aren't always around, and should only be part of your anti-hawk defenses. Be aware that crows can and will eat baby chicks-- but so do MANY other animals, even blue jays and squirrels, so it's always best to protect baby and young birds anyhow. I've found crows to be helpful.

That's good to know! We do have quite a few crows around here. At times, they come in swarms which I like, because of the hawks. Usually if our babies and younger birds are free ranging we're watching them, so I'm not too worried about anything happening to them while free ranging. I do worry at night, however. So far we have been blessed, and haven't had any night predators around. I am very aware of the birds out there now that this happened. I welcome the crows!

 

[ChickTracy]

I know! Now, last night I was reading all about chicken wire vs. hardware cloth (which I couldn't understand why you would use "cloth" instead of wire until I Googled it and found out is actually is wire!). Guess I'm going with the hardware cloth now. I certainly am glad I am not putting the "horse before the cart" or the "chicken before the coop", so to speak.. My babies won't arrive for over 2 months yet, and I won't begin building my coop until March, so I have plenty of time to do a lot of reading and learning on the best methods and practices.

Jim

I have learned everything about chickens on the internet! I had someone offer me some free hens, and then I was hooked! I am so glad I got into chickens. But, I admit, I hardly knew anything about them when I decided to take those first hens. (as a matter of fact, they actually stuck a couple of roosters in with those hens...oops!) I recommend reading as much as you can. I never knew chickens could be so much fun and addictive! I thought it would be nice to have fresh eggs, but it's so much more than that. We got chicks last Spring, after the free hens, and that is SO much fun watching them grow. They are also a lot friendlier when you raise your own. It's nice when a question arises and you can come "google" it and find out all the information you need on it! Technology is great sometimes.

Don't feel bad about the hardware cloth. We used it on a chicken tractor (that still paints a funny pic in my head) that we built and I don't know why they call it cloth! It confused me too. You'll have to post some pics of your coop when you start building it.

 

[MoonShadows]

Thanks, Tracy! I am beginning to see how much fun and addictive they can be. Looking forward to getting my fix, er...I mean my chicks. I'll be sure to post pics.

Jim

 

[Kevomxracer]

I'm starting building my new monster coop.

 

[Kevomxracer]

 

[Kevomxracer]

Side image. Car port post are in the way. But it gives you the idea. It's 10x5x5high. That's the run. And the coop is going to be 4x4x4high. So far with wood and hardware and the fencing I've got about $180 invested and about $50 left to build the coop. I will try to post blue prints after I finish it all up.

 

[dolphinlvr4]

I have a large outdoor area for them but it's in my backyard so I put tinted plastic roofing on top do some light gets it but it's slightly shaded. Here in Ga it gets so hot so I went for an area that at least would be a lil cooler in the summer. Our are is a bird sanctuary so it's illegal to shoot them but I never let mine out into the yard. I find it easier to buy bugs as it entertains me to watch them run n catch them. My flock is very small tho so this works for me but after the headless chicken was found we are even more didgent ( hubby might say paranoid...) lol. I have 3 3 mo old sex links ans 3 12 day old chicks so not exactly alot but enuff to take measures needed. Hope that helps

 

[HeeereChicken]

sorry for you loss...a friend of mine has also been having a problem with hawks swooping down and getting his chickens...they are also free range chickens...we live in a very rural area and the first instinct here is to shoot it...which is what will happen if the hawk comes into range again...if you can possibly make a pen for your flock and then drape netting over the top that will keep the hawks at bay...