Red tailed hawk

[Our Roost]

Exactly what I have been saying if you read all the posts completely. Thanks for your 2 cents.

 

[Nambroth]

Exactly what I have been saying if you read all the posts completely. Thanks for your 2 cents.

Sorry if I misunderstood. It is always really hard to lose birds like this. All my best to you!

 

[Zombified]

Thankfully, the hawks here are pretty small - much to small to take ducks. I've only seen one eagle in the past several years. And my dog keeps anything else out of the yard. I hope we'll be able to keep this same success going when we move. Fingers crossed!

 

[Our Roost]

Zombified! I like that handle. Way up north here in the deep woods we have the American bald eagle you are talking about and it is making a great comeback in the state of Michigan. They frequent a nearby salmon and trout river not far from us. We have various hawk varieties as well. I have never seen a red tailed hawk as big as the one that attacked my young bird. It had a huge wing span and literally scared me when it took flight. I must have scared it too as it didnt stop to look back when it flew off. Our choice to free range our birds is too risky based on our area and all the predators too numerous to list. A covered run area would be the partial answer but people would have to see the that it wouldnt be stable or very long lasting under our conditions of weather and the surroundings. It would take more work to keep it up than put it up. Enough said on that subject. Hoping your move compliments your chickens and they adapt well. Good luck on your move.

 

[Mac14]

If I am imagining this right from your profile pic, maybe you could take thick strings of wire and line them across your run by tying the wire on one side then on the other side. You could make it so that its not big enough for the hawk to swoop through, and there would be enough room for snow and such to fall through. Hope I said that clearly enough. Sorry about your losses.

 

[Our Roost]

Well Mac14, Post#6 explains my sentiments on that. As the General in charge, I will up the guard duty around the moat and protect Fort Knox a little better than we have from aerial attacks with some simple warning shots to keep predators at bay. I follow the "KISS" routine when it comes to problems with predators and that is for me to KEEP IT SIMPLE STUPID!
This hawk has lived in this area far longer than my chickens have and he has claimed territorial rights as well as the deer, bobcat, coyotes, racoons, possums, porcupines and various snakes not to mention weasels and martins. Yes, we have them all! Its an ongoing battle and we dont always win.
The purpose behind my post was to alert people to the fact that young chickens introduced to the coop and run are not acclumated to their surroundings immediately and need extra attention and or protection until they learn that the coop is their safe haven when alerted to something that may be harmful to them. Basically, I had a young dumb bird that didnt know where to go when the attack occured. My other older birds made a bee line for the coop and were safe. I should have pent the birds up before I left them alone to make a trip to the store. It was my neglect that left them unattended that could have prevented the incident. I generally use the garden hose to spritz them as a training method to get them to go into the coop to keep from getting wet. After a few lessons of that, they know exactly where to go for shelter. We cant watch our birds 24/7 and I will be the first to agree that we need to take all the precautions we feel necessary to help protect them within reason. I thank you all for your sentiments.

 

[scooter147]

Well chicken girl, thats basically the same setup I have in the attached florida room. They have access to go in and out of the coop into the wired and enclosed florida room. Aside from the wire, it is very airy and outdoorsy for them to romp in and get that out door view while keeping them enclosed and protected. Very protective unless they are in the open 30 x 55 run area.

Sounds like you have a great set up. What happened sometimes happens.

 

[Zombified]

I agree with Scooter. It sounds to me like you're doing pretty well.

Also, I don't have chickend, lol. Just ducks.