What can I do to scare away a hawk?

[FromChictoChick]

I thought the hawk couldn't touch my big, heavy bodied full sized hens, but I was sorely mistaken. I'm 90% sure I have a Cooper's Hawk. It's become a SERIOUS problem. I let my girls free range and very rarely had a casualty...but in the last month a hawk has taken up residence here and now we are under constant attack. We had three close calls with the hawk catching pullets, the pullets all escaped unscathed when we heard the commotion and scared the hawk off. But in a month I have lost SIX hens. The attacks are becoming more frequent and the hawk more brazen, even pursuing them up to/against the house, right under/into bushes and now has moved on the my big 7/8lb PBR hen.

Needless to say, I only keep a very small flock and because I want to keep them I'm in the process of acquiring a big 14x6x6 dog kennel and unfortunately will pen my hens, string up the fishing line and not let them free range anymore

I've come to HATE hawks

 

[DianaMallory]

I have had a coopers hawk in my yard, land on the branches above my coop, and right outside my back door! I find them to be very brave and determined. I don't free range,my girls are in a completely enclosed coop and run, so I get to stand there and tell the stupid hawk your not getting my birds! It keeps coming back to see if it can find a way in. I named him SSS! Just waiting for the right moment! Best way to keep your flock safe is DO NOT FREE RANGE! If you insist on free ranging then accept the fact that you are putting your flock into the natural food chain and keep buying more birds!

 

[abunmercy]

If you feed the crows they will keep the hawks away in an attempt to protect thier food source and territory.

 

[Campine]

I agree with feeding the crows. I saw a funny thing a few weeks ago, a crow was imitating a chicken crackle and "making fun of a hen", coming near her ,squawking like a chicken and flying off when the hen would charge her. It was hilarious, the crow was just having fun and not harming the chicken.

 

[bayoudragon]

I was a dummy and originally posted this on the wrong thread. I wanted to post it here. Raptors will take on prey their same size if they are hungry enough. I worked at a nature center for 15 years; what raptors try to eat rarely suprises me anymore. LOL.

The Mongolian tribesman still hunt with Golden Eagles... and they hunt wolves! It is a truly awe-inspring and extremely primal thing to watch. Warning: some people may find this video disturbing. But please keep in mind that this is how these people survived in such a hellish environment. I think most BYCers understand living off of what the land happens to give you.

So just be aware that if the local prey popluation takes a dive, your large hens (or even rooster) may be the next meal option. Hunger is a very powerful motivator. It's always a possibility.

- Ang

 

[KBG204]

I agree with that!

 

[Kevomxracer]

hang some noisy chimes up. the noise usually scares them away when the wind is going a little bit. at least that worked for me.

 

[shmccarthy]

I have a fake great horned owl statue I use and that seems to work well. Also you can put CDs (shiny side up) on top of your coop, and anywhere in the hawks vision. I haven't tried this but I've heard it works because it obstructs their vision in the light and deterrs them from landing. I know someone who even hung a disco ball from a branch and its kept hawks away.
If you live in the US, I know that hawks are legally protected. If you want to kill one, that's your business but I wouldn't speak a word of it. Killing a hawk could result in a pretty hefty fine and because hawks are territorial, a new one will move into the territory. Hawks are one of the only predators I don't kill when seen on my property. I have had a lot easier time deterring them than any other animal and although I see them everyday, they don't land in the trees or yard anymore.
I've also heard crows and blue jays will chase hawks so if you could find a way to attract them, it could be beneficial.

 

[Triple Willow]

The Mongolian tribesman still hunt with Golden Eagles... and they hunt wolves!  It is a truly awe-inspring and extremely primal thing to watch.  Warning: some people may find this video disturbing.  But please keep in mind that this is how these people survived in such a hellish environment.  I think most BYCers understand living off of what the land happens to give you.

- Ang

Holy cow! Cruel but cool video.

 

[weebles&wobblesmom]

I had an Auricana rooster (BIG rooster) get killed by a hawk yesterday and this morning it was back. This thing is BIG. I My birds can get into the coop as well as a covered run, but we have a big area fenced so they can have free range all day, hoping to keep them safe..(that didn't work). The hawk sits on the enterance gate that they have to go through to get to the covered run/coop. Pretty smart. My poor birds were all hiding in the coop or under some trees in the far corner of the yard.