URGHHHH Hawk Or falcon

[Mattemma]

I would try the bird netting.It might just cover the run,and a few rolls would do it.Will help slow the hawk down. I just found a hawk nest in my neighbors yard 10 feet from the chicken shed,so I am constantly out there with my girls.I think a younger or very hungry hawk will go for a chicken even if you are right there.A secure run is really the only option we have or than being RIGHT THERE and hoping to scare off attacks.Wasn't so much of an issue in lazy summer days,but now I have fall clean up to do.

Very sorry for your less!

 

[rancher hicks]

One of the things I've suggested in the past is to build a row of grapevine type fencing in the "free range" area. You can or not plant berries or grapes just for cover. These should be wide enough so the birds can get sun and narrow enough so a hawk or birds of prey can't land. Seems to me you could use rustic posts and since they don't have to support anything if you don't plant they will be fine. I'm not sure how much area a hawk needs to land but it seems to me it might help to reduce the area they have to land, might help.

You also could keep breeds that are harder to spot from the air. visit the area more often so your presence is a common site for birds of all kinds.

I've been fortunate to only have had one hawk land in the yard. I came around the corner and he took off and hasn't been back since. I now he's around cuz I see him near the highway not far away.

I suppose you could keep pigeons in your barn or whatever and breed them so the hawks feed on them instead of your chickens.

 

[beachchickie]

Sharp-shinned hawks are large blue jay sized hawks. They have the white head unlike the yellow beige head of Coopers

 

[BloominOrchid]

wow it really looks a lot like Sharp-shinned hawks...ugh
either way im terrified! I ran string all above my yard to slow its approach so in hopes my roo will see it and sound the alarm
So Im going to get more shrubs for them to hide under, and Im considering making a run and only allowing free range while im in the yard.
The poor chicks were so afraid they didnt even want to go out today. They will be coop bound till I figure this out.
Bummed I so wanted to keep them free roam in my yard

guess Ill talk with my man and see what we can come up with. Cant believe Im having so many predator problems! Raccoons Skunks & hawks..oh my!

 

[rancher hicks]

You know you can make the posts and wire grid high enough for your to walk under but not with enough space for the birds to land and take off from. A little research to see how much space they need to land and take off should give you some idea of how big or small of a wire grid you need.

With a little imagination you can keep the hawks from landing in the chicken yard. You just need to use some strategic planting. Fruit trees like apples or pears or maybe crabapples would be a good choice. There are also some crabapples that have prickers. My neighbor had one, it was pretty in the spring but you couldn't climb it. The fruit was all wormy so you couldn't eat it.

Keep us posted all you hawk pestered chicken people.

 

[AlbionWood]

Quote:
‎"One unversed in such matters can have no notion of the many and tragic things that can happen to a chicken."

"The Egg" by Sherwood Anderson.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Quote:
No. They are almost identical in appearance except for size. Female sharp-shinned's are about the same size as male cooper's.

A sharp-shinned hawk has a length of 10-14" and a wingspan of 20-28"
A cooper's hawk has a length of 14-21" and a wingspan of 27-36"
A blue jay has a length of 11" and a wingspan of 16"

Both sharp-shinned & cooper's hawks have grey heads with a white throat. Offhand, the only hawk-like bird with a white head that I can think of is a bald eagle.

 

[BloominOrchid]

Well today we went and got bird netting, were just gonna net from fence to fence. The chicks are nly in the run area but the ladies are free range, but all go in the coop at nite. So todays plans
Planted some shrubs for them to hide under
planted ornamental grass for hiding as well
I have string zig zagged all over the yard, but Im going to use the netting instead.
My neighbors are gonna LOVE that

Oh well!

 

[desertdarlene]

Quote:
It's because chickens taste good! 9 out of 10 predators agree.

 

[BloominOrchid]

So this is how Im keeping the hawk out, I saw it circling yesterday hope it moves on now that I have made it more difficult to pick of my chicks

This is Angel taking her turn on hawk watch.

This is the sight from the ground, lots of sting and bird netting

Sally Taking her turn on hawk watch.
I have a "silent" roo that did sound the alarm when I caught the hawk the 2nd time.
But hopefully this helps!
I also have the young-ins under an additional bird net while they are out.
Everyone goes in at 7, and gets locked up in coop De Fort Knox...

no more predators please!