Stalking hawk

[downsm75]

I usually allow my flock to free range most of the day. Yesterday, I noticed a hawk watching my flock. Three different times. I put everyone in their run the first time.
Are they ALWAYS have to be in their run or will the hawk lose interest? My run has a roof.

 

[centrarchid]

Hawk may be hawking for rodents in same general area chickens are foraging. If so they are staring at the rodents latrines waiting for them to go to bathroom. Problem will be if hawk decides to try something new. Species of hawk important. Red-tails much more likely to go after chickens that red-shouldered. What species is it? Could also be a Coopers but they tend to move about more unless it is really hot during middle of day. If you flock is made up of juveniles or hens only it is at higher risk. Adult roosters do not stop losses to hawks but they can reduce them.

 

[downsm75]

Hawk may be hawking for rodents in same general area chickens are foraging.  If so they are staring at the rodents latrines waiting for them to go to bathroom.  Problem will be if hawk decides to try something new.  Species of hawk important.  Red-tails much more likely to go after chickens that red-shouldered.  What species is it?  Could also be a Coopers but they tend to move about more unless it is really hot during middle of day.  If you flock is made up of juveniles or hens only it is at higher risk.  Adult roosters do not stop losses to hawks but they can reduce them.

I have no clue what kind of hawk, but I have 2 juvenile roos and 6 chicks. Also 6 ducks

 

[ButchGood]

Red Tailed hawks are the ones to worry about. They are big beautiful birds. The under side of the tail is a brownish red color you cant miss. All hawks will give chicks a go. Let them range and keep an eye out. If you cant watch put them in the run. When they are adults I wouldn't worry to much until birds start coming up missing. Free Range will always have predatory risk's. I'm willing to take those risks and deal with the predators when they become a nuisance.

 

[downsm75]

This thing has a wing span of 738 sq miles lol. Thank you for your help

 

[Mike Winters]

will Mississippi kites attack chickens i seen a two flying above mine?

 

[centrarchid]

will Mississippi kites attack chickens i seen a two flying above mine?

No. They occassionally go after small birds and rodents but they consume largely large insects.

 

[Mike Winters]

their pretty the kites

 

[amcconnell]

I've had chickens for 5 yrs now and let them free range during the day and put them up at night. We also have red tail hawks living close by...we usually see them every day. They have flown right over our chickens before and one crashed into the wire on the run trying to get them. In the past we've had only one loss due to the hawks...but that changed this week. There is a young hawk that has appeared with one of the larger ones...I'm assuming an offspring from last year. The young hawk killed one of my BR hens, ate a little on her and left her right outside the coop. She was too big for it to carry off. My husband flushed the hawk out of the trees and off it went. We've kept them in the coop all week until yesterday. My husband let them out for a short while and the hawk got one of my black minorca hens...which was small enough for it to carry off. 2 in one week...I'm going to keep them in the run for a while and maybe the young hawk will look elsewhere...not sure if that will be enough to discourage the hawk though. All I can say is keep an eye on your chickens. As I stated, we really didn't have much trouble out of the hawks in 5 yrs until this week. Good luck!

 

[downsm75]

It's a red tail.