Rotten Hawks!

[mdbokc]

For a 100 x 50 yard, I would use the hanging CD trick around the yard.

 

[briesberrypatch]

As I described in another thread, the CDs are unnecessary. The lines themselves are sufficient.

As far as deterring hawks, I found that fishing line tied in parallel rows about 6 feet apart (similar to what you described with the CDs) prevents hawk attacks. I put the lines up in the winter, because that's usually the only time I have serious hawk trouble. Fishing line doesn't last long and needs to be taken down in the spring (it sags and stretches with the weight of rain and snow). I may try vinyl clothesline this winter. It will be more visible (for me) and should last longer.

Here is the 1980 Mother Earth News article that describes the fishing line technique.

The hawks can see the fishing line and will not fly between the lines. The author of the article I cited tied her lines 1 foot apart, but I space mine about 6 feet apart and have had no problem with hawks at all.​

 

[stephhassler]

Quote:
Well, actually, I've done quite a lot to RESTORE nature. I've put in about an acre of natural prairie grass. I know it's not much, but it's all I have to give. We also have arranged for a natural wetland behind our house. I have a 400 square foot butterfly garden so the monarchs have some place to refuel on their trip down south. We use absolutely no chemicals in our lawn, we conserve energy and we try to eat local organic produce.

Not to mention the fact that nature DID NOT in fact intend wild hawks to be eating domesticated fowl. It's just a lucky break for the hawk to have found my flock. White leghorn chickens are not what he would be eating in "the wild." At least, I have yet to see a wild leghorn in the 60 acres behind our yard that we let go to timber for the wildlife. Geez, not sure what else I could do to help nature but I sure as heck am trying to do my part. However, giving chicken dinners to the local hawk population is not something I'm willing to do as my part to save the environment.

 

[Whirlwind]

Ah Yes the dreaded hawks have been stalking my girls too. Had one fly right over my mamma hen and 10 5 week old chicks a couple of days ago.

Had a nest of red tails not 300 feet from my coop, had the 3 juvilie hawks come way to close checking them out.

I have lost 2 or 3 to hawks in the last 3 years. So one a year. Not bad compared to the coons. Cant even remember how many.

I would be glad to only have the hawks. But we also live on a creek and have lost 2 to a bob cat, seen the coyotes not 100 feet from the coop mid afternoon.

Saw a fox the same place. Have skunks, opossoms and who knows what else. Alas I have to sit out there the whole time they are out.

They are spoiled and don't understand why they can't get out as much.

I now have as my DH calls it the fort knox of chicken coops.

 

[cgmccary]

I have Red Tails all around and see them frequently. I only seeing them eating squirrels around here & I've always thought it is because the local ones don't know about "chicken." There is always the possibility of a Red Tail passing-through who has learned about chickens. This has not happened yet. You must be in a hawk migration alley of sorts.

I do believe the white birds stand out more and make a bigger target. Perhaps get Brown Leghorns and also, get you a really large & formidable Rooster (one of the Game variety) -- The Red Tail may meet his match.

 

[buck431397]

oooohhh the nasty @%^&$*!

My suggestions: get a rooster, do whatever you can to NOT let the hawk have dinner for a while. My guess is that he knows hes found an easy source of food. Maybe if he can't get them, he'll move on. I put up CD's around my pen, but it doesn't cover my whole yard. I have to rely on their natural instinct to notice a predator and find cover. Which is why i love having a rooster.. I bet you could construct a easy quick pen and put netting on the top without too much trouble. that way at least you'd have a back up safety "net"

 

[HorseFeathers]

Quote:
*nods*
While it is sad your birds have been killed, it is only to be expected and anticipated. We lost a chick to a hawk and I realize that we have greatly reduced the raptors' natural habitat and prey... It's their nature.

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:
Well...I think the poster was merely venting about having one of his/her chickens killed. Hawks, foxes, and even raccoons are beautiful creatures. But I'd sure be cursing one, shaking my fist, and probably getting out my gun if I found one eating one of my chickens. I love and respect nature, but I'm going to protect my own...

 

[lotzahenz]

I feel your pain, but you are in a way lucky. You live in a beautiful place and get to see such magnificint wildlife. I suggest that you consider getting some NON-white chickens. Somthing with more natural coloring will help, such as dark cornish. Also, look up "predator eyes" for a moving balloon-like device that has huge owl eyes on it. It "moves" in the wind and may help some. They also make chicken saddles with predator eyes ironed on the backs, that may help save the remaining white chickens. You can confine your birds, but they will not be happy. Remember though, hard as it is, you moved into hawk territory and their natural food sources are scarce because of us humans. They are just hungry and feeding babies. And yes, it has crossed my mind to shoot them too. But, there will be another one to move into it's place. Besides, it is illegal to shoot them. Somehow, we have to learn to live in peace with these beautiful birds. Remember, no hawks and you'll be over run with mice and rats. That helps a bit.

HenZ

 

[birdlover]

That's just what I was going to suggest, lotzahenz. White chickens stand out like a sore thumb. Not that the darker ones are safe but, at least, they aren't as easy to spy.