Trying to Foil a Red-Tailed Hawk

[Henry&Friends]

I was just trying to figure out what the 3 S's were. LOL

Shoot, shovel, and shut up! (Or shhhhhhh) quickest way to solve a predator problem— no predator, no problem. But don’t go out shooting endangered animals, or anything your game warden would shake their head at you for.

 

[ValerieJ]

Shoot, shovel, and shut up! (Or shhhhhhh) quickest way to solve a predator problem— no predator, no problem. But don’t go out shooting endangered animals, or anything your game warden would shake their head at you for.

I think my game warden would do more than shake his head if I shot a bald eagle. My only choice was to strengthen my defenses. The bird netting worked for me. But OP's free range area is the "size of a football field", so not sure what can be done there.

 

[Henry&Friends]

I think my game warden would do more than shake his head if I shot a bald eagle. My only choice was to strengthen my defenses. The bird netting worked for me. But OP's free range area is the "size of a football field", so not sure what can be done there.

Perhaps wire could be run (at random) over the run, and nets draped on top. I hear CD’s are a good deterrent as well, they could be hung on the wires and nets. All of that sounds hard though.

 

[ValerieJ]

Perhaps wire could be run (at random) over the run, and nets draped on top. I hear CD’s are a good deterrent as well, they could be hung on the wires and nets. All of that sounds hard though.

Those are good ideas for OP's situation. Before I had the bird netting, I set up some make shift obstacles that worked. I used reflector deer ribbon and criss crossed open areas. Because my chickens are free range in a small orchard, that wasn't possible everywhere, so in the smaller open area I used upside down tomato cages with reflector tape tied on them. It worked, but it was terribly inconvenient for me to get around and pick fruit. Once we got the nets we were able to set up some PVC t-posts and drape the nets over the large open spaces. Unfortunately I do have some areas where I have to use the obstacle deterrent -- tomato cages. But this wouldn't work for a hawk because they would be able to maneuver between the tomato cages. Bald Eagles, not so much. I'm so thankful to not have a hawk problem!!! yet?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys!

1. There is nothing out there to hang CD's from, no trees or bushes or anything. Is why we free range in the afternoons. We have planted a couple of fig trees but they are a ways from providing shade yet. There is shade around the hen house.

2. a. We don't have anything to shoot with; b. neither of us is a good enough shot to hit a moving target (or a stationary one, most likely!); and c. we would never shoot a protected species even if 1 and 2 were not true, game warden or not. Not judging anybody, just saying we wouldn't.

3. If we "criss-crossed" their yard with any kind of tape, twine or string, it would likely inconvenience us far more than the hawk. DH has to get in there to mow from time to time.

My question was: do y'all think the hawk might ultimately move on if we keep our birds confined for a while? And does anyone know how long that might take? Or should I just carry on as always until my flock is decimated? Am I doomed?

 

[BigBlueHen53]

Sorry you are dealing with this. I can't answer your question, but wanted to say keep an eye out for your BO. I would think there would be some signs (feathers, etc.) if the hawk got her. My neighbor had a fox take off with a hen and she came back a week later. Unfortunately she was so tore up and infection had set in so he put her down. But odds are your girl is just off hiding somewhere.

Thanks, I will! The hawk did not carry her off when I startled it but I assumed it came back later in the day. I will go hunt for her. She won't be able to get back into the hen house on her own since we have the gate closed. Thanks for the suggestion!

 

[igorsMistress]

Thanks for all the suggestions, guys!

1. There is nothing out there to hang CD's from, no trees or bushes or anything. Is why we free range in the afternoons. We have planted a couple of fig trees but they are a ways from providing shade yet. There is shade around the hen house.

2. a. We don't have anything to shoot with; b. neither of us is a good enough shot to hit a moving target (or a stationary one, most likely!); and c. we would never shoot a protected species even if 1 and 2 were not true, game warden or not. Not judging anybody, just saying we wouldn't.

3. If we "criss-crossed" their yard with any kind of tape, twine or string, it would likely inconvenience us far more than the hawk. DH has to get in there to mow from time to time.

My question was: do y'all think the hawk might ultimately move on if we keep our birds confined for a while? And does anyone know how long that might take? Or should I just carry on as always until my flock is decimated? Am I doomed?

Birds are in migration right now. Keep your eyes open, but it could be a week or so before THAT HAWK moves on. Others may still be around for a bit.

 

[Henry&Friends]

If you are persistent, the hawk should move on. But if you are persistent, the hawk might just be patient and wait for you to move on. Could you erect posts that are slightly taller than you guys? If so, you could hang twine just overhead. I netted my run last year, but I would keep tearing it down every time I went in. It’s such a hassle I put it in my basement and will not even look at it anymore, so I definitely get where you’re coming from.

 

[Mybackyardpeepers]

I had my first run in with a hawk, and it's not going away. I also have a large run that can not be covered 100%. Just hope I have smart enough chickens, but they have proved to me they aren't already lol.

 

[ValerieJ]

I had my first run in with a hawk, and it's not going away. I also have a large run that can not be covered 100%. Just hope I have smart enough chickens, but they have proved to me they aren't already lol.

Even if this one moves on, if you have hawks in the area and your chickens are out in the open like that, no trees or shelter, expect losses. If you want to save your birds you will need to build a bigger run and keep them confined in a safe place. Fence as large of an area as you are able and put bird netting over it. People who free range expect losses from time to time. We have some small hawks, not big enough to take on a chicken, who go after the doves in our yard. It is so easy for them, even with trees...especially with trees...they sit on a branch, wait for the doves and robins to start pecking at the ground and simply drop on them. It's a smorgasbord of wildlife birds for them here. They also get the occasional squirrel.

Sure am sorry you have to deal with this.