What Can I Do To Deter Hawks??? Please Help!

[ChickenLoverGia]

Hi everyone! I'm new to BYC and I have a quick question!
I live in a very hawk-concentrated area, and I have lost so so so many of my beloved chickens to hawks. My chickens are free range, but they do have coops for the night and winter. Therefore most of the time they are out and about, which is when hawks get them. In order to keep my chickens free range I am willing to take the chance to let them out, but I would like it if anyone could share their tips (if they have any) on preventing hawks.
Thanks!

 

[ChloChlochicki]

We have a lot of hawks too. Try hanging up CDs around your yard. You could also try putting fishing line over where they free roam, for example if you have a fence or trees you could tie it from the fence posts or tree branches. We have a large bush/shrub that they always run under to hide in, giving us enough time to put them in the run when the hawks seem especially threatening. Good luck!

 

[centrarchid]

First is to have cover patches the hawk can enter only in foot. I have bramble, sumac and bamboo patches. Patches must be situated so chickens can get to them quickly. No hen only or hen only flocks, add an adult standard sized rooster or two. Hawk may still go after hens / juveniles but adult rooster will often hammer hawk when it does. I have been using game rooster but my Dominique crosses do it quite well. Place feeding and water stations near or even in the the cover patches. A properly trained dog also worked but very expensive option. I have also been having luck placing poultry netting around the cover patches making so hawks like Coopers can not just zip in from the side.

 

[Red5]

Type hawks into the search bar and hit search. There is a wealth of information on this site it is beyond capabilities of explanation. Odds are you will find your answer much faster that way than waiting for an answer. Let alone you'll learn a whole lot more too

 

[ChickenLoverGia]

Thanks so much for the info, do you mean CDs like music CDs??? would that work because of the light reflection off of them??
Thanks!!!

 

[centrarchid]

Yes, CD's as in compact disks used for music recordings. The approach is debatable in terms of its effectiveness and not well suited in most free-range settings,