Sufficient covering from hawks?

[Kaesi2020]

Hi all, I saw some earlier postings of good and bad coverings for chickens to protect them from hawks. I took the below pics of my free range area to see what people thought- does there look to be sufficient cover in the event of a hawk flying by? Some context- we live in upstate NY, our flock of 6 pullets free ranged all summer but I pumped the breaks on that due to egg laying and concern over hawks migrating or discovering my flock. We have been fortunate but I am still keeping my flock in till 4- supervise free range for an hour, back in run, supervise free range for half hour before bed. Anyway, any input on the effectiveness of my yard for cover would be appreciated!

 

[sourland]

Natural cover from hawks also provides cover for mammalian predators like fox/coyote/bobcat. I think the idea of monitored free ranging is good.

 

[Kaesi2020]

Natural cover from hawks also provides cover for mammalian predators like fox/coyote/bobcat. I think the idea of monitored free ranging is good.

We have fox, coyote, and bear out here. Also lots of owl activity. I saw what I thought was a hawk earlier but it turned out to be an owl...I put the chickens back in the run quickly. I'm trying to be very vigilant when I watch them.

I thought my dog might be a good deterrent but she is a bit oblivious, more of a herder less of a guard.

 

[nchls school]

Your yard looks about as good as possible; lots of good cover. Suggestion-pullets/hens are not good at watching for predators (it's not their job). The job is that of a good rooster. Do some research and get yourself a docile rooster (if allowed where you live) to warn the pullets of danger. This summer has been the pits when it comes to predators; snakes, mink, possum, dogs, hawks of various sizes, cats, etc. I am retired with health issues and too much time is spent on the deck overlooking our backyard. I cannot remember the last day our roosters HAVE NOT warned of danger saving countless hens, pullets, chicks, poults, and ducks from becoming someone's lunch.

 

[Kaesi2020]

Your yard looks about as good as possible; lots of good cover. Suggestion-pullets/hens are not good at watching for predators (it's not their job). The job is that of a good rooster. Do some research and get yourself a docile rooster (if allowed where you live) to warn the pullets of danger. This summer has been the pits when it comes to predators; snakes, mink, possum, dogs, hawks of various sizes, cats, etc. I am retired with health issues and too much time is spent on the deck overlooking our backyard. I cannot remember the last day our roosters HAVE NOT warned of danger saving countless hens, pullets, chicks, poults, and ducks from becoming someone's lunch.

We have considered a rooster. We only have six pullets so perhaps when we expand our flock. I read many stories about brave roosters warning their hens and protecting them from harms way. Very impressive.

 

[nchls school]

We have considered a rooster. We only have six pullets so perhaps when we expand our flock. I read many stories about brave roosters warning their hens and protecting them from harms way. Very impressive.

Many roosters are NOT hard on their hens. I often put mine in breeding pens as pairs. For a large breed rooster I'd recommend Salmon Favorelle. My phoenix are exceptional with the hens and are great at giving warning to danger. I have several roosters and when they spy danger the yard echos with their warning calls. Regardless of specie, ALL the birds rush for cover when the warning is given; except for the mature turkeys who stand their ground with most predators from land or sky.

 

[Kaesi2020]

Many roosters are NOT hard on their hens. I often put mine in breeding pens as pairs. For a large breed rooster I'd recommend Salmon Favorelle. My phoenix are exceptional with the hens and are great at giving warning to danger. I have several roosters and when they spy danger the yard echos with their warning calls. Regardless of specie, ALL the birds rush for cover when the warning is given; except for the mature turkeys who stand their ground with most predators from land or sky.

The salmon Favorelles are beautiful! I'll note that about the roosters. As my flock stands currently, they are pretty observant. At times though, they are way too comfortable taking risks foraging out in the open land.

 

[nchls school]

Don't rule out bantam roosters unless you plan on hatching your own eggs. The little game roosters, and similar breeds, are excellent flock guardians.

Standard cochin are another docile breed to consider, but the favorelles-beautiful to look at and great to have around the place. However, If you were to have a second rooster, the favorelle would be terribly picked on; even by smaller roosters. Favorelles just don't go well with other breeds of the same sex-lovers, not fighters. The same is true for the hens; they don't do well with other hens of a different breed unless that breed is also nonaggressive.

 

[Farmgirl1878]

Don't rule out bantam roosters unless you plan on hatching your own eggs. The little game roosters, and similar breeds, are excellent flock guardians.

Standard cochin are another docile breed to consider, but the favorelles-beautiful to look at and great to have around the place. However, If you were to have a second rooster, the favorelle would be terribly picked on; even by smaller roosters. Favorelles just don't go well with other breeds of the same sex-lovers, not fighters. The same is true for the hens; they don't do well with other hens of a different breed unless that breed is also nonaggressive.

Lol, my little Salmon Faverolle is the alpha hen amongst the BJG, Light Brahma, two EEers, a Speckled Sussex, a GLWxBLRW, and my shy, fluffy blue Cochin! All the other girls outweigh her by at least a pound or six, but she’s a scrapper!

 

[nchls school]

Always the exceptions! But little?? My favorelle hens were huge.