Red-tailed Hawks and Chickens

[Oregon Cluck]

Has anyone had experience with Red-tailed Hawks going after full-grown chickens? We have a hawk nest near our yard and I've seen a few close fly-overs. Our hens (one Wyandotte and two 1-year-old Orpingtons) make an interesting chortling noise and usually seek cover in their run or under shrubs when they see a raptor, so I know that they are sensing some risk. From what I've read so far, the hawks shouldn't be a problem with chickens of this size.

Thanks!

 

[FireTigeris]

I lost a full sized SLW to a hawk, thye didn't see the GLW when they hid but could see the SLW back when I allowed free ranging.

They will drop out of the sky on the neck, killing the hen instantly and just eat her there-

my rooster at that time was a white silkie and mean as sin, he didn't help...

My full sized roosters now might help but I don't let them out anymore.

(can't figure out how to let the chickens out w/o letting the doves or rabbits out ... death sentences for both of them.)

As long as they are bright enough to hid in time- (I have lots of azalea bushes and briers)

I had one that didn't and she paid the price...

 

[centrarchid]

Yes, for me red-tailed hawks a problem during winter when chickens do not have access to cover. In past I have lost roosters to hawk during summer when only one rooster and again no cover. Dog best magic for controlling loss but having cover and mixed sex flock helps. My adult game roosters will take red-tailed hawk on once it is on ground and have very good odds of driving it off.

 

[FireTigeris]

Red tails and red shoulder hawks are very bold around here.