Saved by a dog house....red tailed hawk attack

[DDRanch]

Thank you to the good advice of folks on this wonderful BYC site !!! Last February, after the loss of one of my pullets to a red tailed hawk, I was advised to place small structures around the coop and pen area so when my girls were out free ranging they would have some cover in case of a hawk attack if they couldn't get to the coop quickly. Thank you BYC'ers.

I strategically placed 2 redwood dog houses and my broody hen house outside the coop and pen area immediately.

Well, this afternoon I witnessed, from my kitchen window, 2 red tails diving at my hens, the hens squawked and scattered and ran into the dog houses which were closer shelter than the coop. Everyone was safe although quite a scare. The girls are all in for the afternoon now.

Whew......hope they leave.

Anne

 

[WoodlandWoman]

I'm so glad they survived!

 

[DDRanch]

me too. I remembered that it was Silkiechicken who advised me to provide cover for the girls. Thank you Silkie.

Anne

 

[lowcountrypoultry]

Thats a good idea, I need to do some of that.

Hawks always come for my hens

But they run into the woods, but thats not always stopping the hawks.

 

[ibpboo]

Hooray for dog houses!!
I too , have lots of things around my yard for cover from hawks!

 

[utahmethodist]

Mine used tomato plants to hide from a low-circling raptor this afternoon. When I say "hide" I mean they just stayed where they were already lying down. Usually when faced with a raptor flying over they run in aimless circles out in the open. I have to keep a close eye on them when they free range.