Roo hawk detterent?

[centrarchid]

Quote:
I do not think the hawks are targeting your roosters. They are targeting birds away from group and not in cover. In your case they happen to be roosters. Same birds also not likely putting up an aggressive front.

 

[Gresh]

I have heard that Buckeye roosters will chase hawks away. I know gamecocks will fight almost anything to the death if it attacks their hens, but I'm not sure how well they fend off hawks. I guess it depends on hawk size and temperament. If the hawk is smaller and more timid, a brave rooster is probably a good deterrent, but I don't know for sure.

I agree, though, that a dog is the best anti-hawk and anti-predator defense out there. Train a dog to treat chickens well, and it could be the lifesaver of your farm.

One thing to think about is crows. Crows will often attack hawks for no reason, and I've been told that they are a good deterrent against hawks. I know it's true now, because we have a lot of crows on our property due to the fall season and it has been weeks since I've seen a hawk here. The last time I saw one, it was a red-tail, and it was being attacked by two angry crows in mid-flight.

~Gresh~

 

[Mattemma]

I got a roo in April for hawks and to stop the bickering among the ladies. So far they are all still alive,and I see that darn hawk daily in the yard. The roo will watch,warn,and maybe go on the attack.He will die fighting,or he might sacrifice one hen and herd the others to safety.

I like my roo.Aside from the crowing I love having him with the flock regardless of his hawk deterent abilities. I don't like crows much,but the crows and blue jays also chase hawks.

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

Nothing will really "deter" a hawk that is hungry.

A Roo "might" scare one off a kill, but it won't keep the hawk from attacking in the first place, and once it hits your bird, the damage is done.

The best "deterrent" is lots of places for them to hide

 

[scooter147]

I've noticed in my flock that when the blue jays start raising a rukus the chickens take notice. Last spring I witnessed a Cooper's taking a blue jay and lordy lordy you never saw such maylay. Blue jays must have come from miles around to harrass that hawk while he fed.