Very Unsetteling-not graphic

[trishok8]

This morning I looked out at my newly built chicken coop to find a hawk sitting on top of the pen.

Thankfully my week old babies are still in the house in a brooder.

I'm sure the hawk was wondering when the new TAKE OUT RESTAURUANT WAS OPENING!!!!!!!

I'm petrified to put them outside now.

 

[MissPrissy]

If it is a well constructed pen with good precautions in materials used and completely enclosed they will be safe when you put them out. To see a predator can be unnerving with small chicks.

 

[texaschickmama]

Is there a top on the coop? Probably need an electric fence too. We had to do that. Good luck.

 

[katknapp]

I know what you mean...it was very hard to have them go out -- you have to feel that your coop is secure. I have seen hawks in my backyard the last couple of days (a fox too) and for that reason my poor girls have not gotten to free range. Better safe than sorry (and their run is pretty big).

 

[trishok8]

There is a top and it is well built----

I guess free range is OUT!!!

 

[tebs78]

gotta b b gun? Have some fun playing target practice with the hawk.

 

[Ga Chicken Mom]

Texaschick, why did you need a top on your coop and electric fencing? I'm guessing the electric was for ground predators? Doesn't top netting discourage hawks?

 

[MissPrissy]

Please remember in someplaces hawks are a protected species and penalties and fines not to mention jail terms are the consequence of killing one.

 

[tx_dane_mom]

Oh I didn't realize you couldn't kill one. Crazy. I am so used to being in Tx where anything that kills your livestock is well...deadstock

I have a hawk around here & haven't lost anyone to it yet. I think electric fencing on the top could make sense too...but if he really wants them...

 

[trishok8]

Thanks all.
Maybe one of those plastic owls will help.