KerriChick
Songster
Yesterday we had what I think is a Sharp Shinned hawk dive for our Brahma! There was a huge racket and they all ran and hid(they have a covered run that is more like a pen with a tarp over the top that is not completely enclosed, but I cover the gaps and it is pretty highly hawk resistant-the hawk would have to sneak in through a tiny hole). The pullet got away ok and no chickens were harmed(just deeply rattled), but now I'm worried that the hawk will return. Hopefully it is just moving through the area. The red tails and bigger hawks we have seem to not be brave enough to come into our yard, as it is tough to navigate-we have string lights and shade sails over part of the yard, and lots of places for hiding chickens. We also have Kites but they are generally not a threat to grown chickens.
Our pullets are 26 weeks and none of them are small breeds-guessing they are all at least 5-6 pounds and still growing, so they could be killed on the ground by a small hawk but not likely carried away. I am always home and hear everything so hoping we can avoid any mishaps with supervision during free ranging.
They get very loud when I don't let them free range for at least part of the day on our grass patch-do any of you have any deterrent suggestions beyond the shiny ribbons/cds?
Our pullets are 26 weeks and none of them are small breeds-guessing they are all at least 5-6 pounds and still growing, so they could be killed on the ground by a small hawk but not likely carried away. I am always home and hear everything so hoping we can avoid any mishaps with supervision during free ranging.
They get very loud when I don't let them free range for at least part of the day on our grass patch-do any of you have any deterrent suggestions beyond the shiny ribbons/cds?