The Hawk Struck Again ...

[MinervaELS]

Joking aside, call the game warden. Do not release it. First, it could be injured and the GW will take it to be checked out. Second, two attacks from two different species of hawks in one day means that there are too many of them in too small of an area. Too much competition is leading them to go after your hens, and they will continue to do so until the hens are dead or until the pressure is relieved. Having the warden pick it up and find a suitable place to release it will help lessen the hunting pressure on the area. If you can do the same with any of the others, so much the better.

Truly, call the game warden. This is part of their job and they do it all the time.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

i did not keep either hawk and it is unclear about the species but most likely they are siblings from the family of hawks that has been here since before me. That was told to me to be redtailed hawks but now i think they were a male and female sibling year old Coopers. They, or rather their parents, hunted as a team 3 pullets in 1 day last summer.
I seriously doubt the game warden will remove that family.

 

[centrarchid]

so i also hope they will decide not to hunt my hens... but they dont seem too alarmed by getting caught in the act.

Be assured, the birds were scared out of their pants. I have messed around with chickens and even raptors for a long time, but have never had multiple hawks get caught in such small area. Whatever is going on is not likely due to overpopulation owing to how easily they disperse. You may be near a location where they concentrate during migration.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

hawks don't migrate they are here all year. at most there are 4 at this vicinity plus foxes coons roaming strays and plenty of field mice rats and rabbits and wild birds all sorts. No... i believe this was planned attack these two learned when they fledged.

 

[centrarchid]

hawks don't migrate they are here all year. at most there are 4 at this vicinity plus foxes coons roaming strays and plenty of field mice rats and rabbits and wild birds all sorts. No... i believe this was planned attack these two learned when they fledged.

They are migrating with immature birds moving the most. Birds you have during winter may have breeding range further north. About know the breeding adults should be driving immature birds away from core of their territories. Here I see breeders soaring between 1000 and 1400 when sunny. Then then make low level displays with with "cotton" where you can see a bright patch of white, particularly from the rear.

 

[CT Coop]

Wonderful idea - Radio is a can do... and then my mind says play a continuous loop of crow calls!
The hawks never seem to be around when the crow are.

LOL...even better....if they get used to the radio I'll have todo that too. Really, I wish you the best of luck and your poor hen (s) too.

 

[21hens-incharge]

It has been recommended many times that to keep the birds safe you need a run.

It seems you are not interested in giving them that protection. I find that sad.

The radio is unlikely to be an effective cure.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

They are migrating with immature birds moving the most. Birds you have during winter may have breeding range further north. About know the breeding adults should be driving immature birds away from core of their territories. Here I see breeders soaring between 1000 and 1400 when sunny. Then then make low level displays with with "cotton" where you can see a bright patch of white, particularly from the rear.

oh, ok... i guess my neghbor's red tailed hawks which stay here year round didn't do it since they know about the prolific wetlands life in their backyard and are no longer interested in my girls after I scared them off of the last one they killed. It muzt have been the high flying, naiive to our abundant wildlife, rogue Cooper kids on their way home from vacation back to Michigan simply spotted my fat hens from 1000 feet and dropped in for a quick bite.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

It has been recommended many times that to keep the birds safe you need a run.

It seems you are not interested in giving them that protection. I find that sad.

The radio is unlikely to be an effective cure.

That was rude. I have also mentioned that my hens can be kept in the coop, which is converted from a greenhouse.

It has running water. elecricity. heat if needed. 21 foot long by 18 inch wide dirt run inside the coop.

They LIKE to go in the yard, however, to pick and choose what they want where they want. They are happy and healthy.

 

[21hens-incharge]

I did not see where you indicated you have a coop and run.
I did see where you said you did not have a run.

Frankly if my birds were under attack I would be inclined to confine them for their safety. What they LIKE can be largely provided while attacks are prevented.

Safety first.....