The Hawk Struck Again ...

[Boonie Stomper]

Incidences of hawks attacking people result in people being told to "use umbrellas." They're not even classified as possible nuisance animals in most states.

Seriously?!? I got wing slapped by one while I was a few feet away from my chicks last spring. Perhaps the same bird I just chased out of the coop via the kitchen entrance ... with my luck they might call that trapping but at least i got pictures before letting it go out the back door after dark.

He-e-ere, foxy foxy foxy...

 

[21hens-incharge]

Do you have a chicken run?

Have you treated that hen?

 

[Boonie Stomper]

So sorry about the attack. I believe that is a Sharp-shinned Hawk. They are only about 11" tall. The coarse brown streaks on the breast would be a juvenile.

i couldnt decide if it was Coopers or Sharp shinned or Goshawk if not Red-tailed hawk.
2nd bird seen on the floor was about 26 inches wing tip to wing tip. About same beak to tail tips.

 

[HenHouse4Life]

I am so terribly sorry about the hawk attack, my goodness that's horrible. We have hawks and eagles in our area and they will take anything they can sink their talons into. I am fearful for your hens in the respect that it is known now that they can 'hunt' there now. I would take extra precaution to secure an area asap for them, even if you had never had problems with the hawks before. Attacks are gut wrenching and if you can't hunt the hawk then securing the hens is a good option. I hope everything works out well for you . So sad, best wishes.

 

[Boonie Stomper]

Do you have a chicken run?

Have you treated that hen?

No run. Coop abuts kitchen and opens to skinny side yard where I park rubbish bins etc. And my back door also enters that strip.

Im letting Missy roost at present and checking for any changes in condition. Would it be better to clean her up now if she's resting peacefully?

 

[centrarchid]

What is going on there? Can you get an adult rooster?

 

[Boonie Stomper]

What is going on there? Can you get an adult rooster?

Ordinance rule = no rooster.

 

[centrarchid]

Then get serious about penning hens in a hawk proof pen. Will not take much to keep hawk out.

 

[droy1028]

I'm so sorry about Missy! I hope she heals quickly.

 

[CT Coop]

One thing I have had success with is playing a radio. So, you might try that until you can secure a run for them. My first coop was among large mature trees, so no way to secure from above and I started losing lots of birds. I read about using a radio and did not lose another bird. I still turn on a radio as soon as I open the coop doors and it's been 2 years, since I've lost a bird and I live 200' from a woods. I hope your girl recovers....