The Hawk War

[New Hampshire]

I'm having problems with two hawks. Ever since my hen Alice was attacked by a hawk, the hawks have kept coming back. Lately, when I go outside, the hawks will be circling the hens. One time, I even caught one of the hawks chasing the chickens. I have fired warning shots, but they don't stop. They will not go after the chickens when I am standing out there. The two chickens are free range. I don't want to have to keep them inside, because they don't have a run. Is there anything else that I can do? I really don't want to have to shoot the hawks. There are a few crows that will drive the hawks away, but they are only here inconsistently. What else can I do?

 

[Razadia]

Your best bet may be to build a run. On the other hand, it would be a good idea to ask the Fish and Wildlife board in your area if there are any approved ways of making the hawks leave. Hawks are a brave bunch. I've had them try to tear the door off my run to get to my birds. They really can be a pain to get rid of.

 

[4 the Birds]

I'm having problems with two hawks. Ever since my hen Alice was attacked by a hawk, the hawks have kept coming back. Lately, when I go outside, the hawks will be circling the hens. One time, I even caught one of the hawks chasing the chickens. I have fired warning shots, but they don't stop. They will not go after the chickens when I am standing out there. The two chickens are free range. I don't want to have to keep them inside, because they don't have a run. Is there anything else that I can do? I really don't want to have to shoot the hawks. There are a few crows that will drive the hawks away, but they are only here inconsistently. What else can I do?

Try a few decoy owls. One on the coop and one out in the field on a post. Hawks avoid owl territory. You can also create safety bunkers out in the field. A place for the chickens to run and hide from an aerial attack. Adding a rooster will also help since he will sound the alarm when a hawk is around and even stay and fight. We have many many hawks but never had even one attack from a hawk over the years. Our flock free ranges in a goat area and I have decoy owls on the coop.

 

[scovyduck]

Put corn out for the crows the chickens will like it to

 

[iokra]

I am having the same trouble. Hawks attacked one of my Jubilee Orpingtons about one month ago. she got somehow away and is fine now, but the Hawks keep coming back. they manage to kill two of my other chickens in just one week. They are free roaming with two roosters. I do not like the idea of my chickens confined, so i don't think locking them up in a run is an option. I will try to buy the fake hawk, see if that works.