The Hawk from Hell

[BYC910]

Big dog covered pens scat motion triggered water sprayers . Where I live hawks are beautiful loved birds of prey . They help keep down the rabbit population . Over load of rabbits brings coyotes in . Wood rats field mice and snakes . Lots of nonlethal ways to keep hawks away. No substitute for a sound well built coop and run . Chickens are farm produce . Protected from predators as such. I can hatch more eggs . If I kill the female from a nesting pair of hawks I can't replace that . Make no mistake I'm on the hawks side here . All wild critters for that matter . If they are inside my coops and runs then I will deal with them. I have had Huge red tailed hawks in the trees above my coops they couldn't figure out how to get in never came back . Maybe it will come back this winter who knows I don't mind it's a big beautiful hawk . And I'm sure I can run it off . I deal with them the way I want here Each of you have the right to make your on call on the matter . Just remember there is more to that hawk than it's just looking for a free chicken dinner .

 

[chickengeorgeto]

.... Contrary to popular opinion, it is not illegal to kill a hawk if you have a permit.

To secure a permit you must suffer and be able to demonstrate that you are suffering a significant economic hardship because of the deprivations of hawks. A $2.00 or $10.00 chicken or two here and there is not going to cut it. You must suffer maybe 10s of thousands of dollars worth of hawk damage before the USG&F folks will even consider your request. Furthermore you will need to be an ongoing commercial egg or poultry concern to qualify because of the "SIGNIFICANT" wording in the rule.

 

[igorsMistress]

If I don't kill it or injure it, I am not breaking a law. If it's in my yard a paintball will make it think twice. I don't see a problem with it. My chickens, my food and I depend on that food to feed my family. So one bird is one to several meals, that's significant to me.

 

[FishMtFarm]

If I don't kill it or injure it, I am not breaking a law. If it's in my yard a paintball will make it think twice. I don't see a problem with it. My chickens, my food and I depend on that food to feed my family. So one bird is one to several meals, that's significant to me.

I agree. Lots of land for them hawk to hunt so it can stay out of my yard.

 

[EggWalrus]

Hawks are relentless. After loosing 3 full sized hens in a short time span to Northern Goshawk, I build a covered run. Even with the run, the hawks continue to hang out, perching on the top rail of the run, even walking back and forth in front of the grow out pen, where there were juveniles that were almost full sized. The hawks will sit in the trees and taunt me. When I let my birds out to free range, they often show up within 10 minutes.

Contrary to popular opinion, it is not illegal to kill a hawk if you have a permit.

You have the right in most states to protect your livestock (and yourself in all states). And from what I've "heard", they taste like chicken.

 

[igorsMistress]

You have the right in most states to protect your livestock (and yourself in all states). And from what I've "heard", they taste like chicken.

 

[EggWalrus]

ALWAYS eat the evidence! It's just the smart and humane thing to do. Never kill anything you don't intend to eat unless it's in self defense.

 

[IdyllwildAcres]

Build a bigger run or thin the flock. There will always be times when you need to have them secured.....

Gary

 

[Molpet]

A real conservation agent needs to put this to rest. I deal with farmers that actually make a living as farmers. They have raptor issues and they know from speaking with parties very well versed in raptor management what can and cannot be done.

what legal options are available to discourage hawks. Besides netting, dogs, cover spots, ... For me: air horns, fake owls, shiney things and my presence didn't do too much.

 

[igorsMistress]

what legal options are available to discourage hawks. Besides netting, dogs, cover spots, ... For me: air horns, fake owls, shiney things and my presence didn't do too much.

Yea, we've seen a hawk on the fake owl next door. Pigeons and doves too.