Who knows predator psychology?

[Johntodd]

Well, we suffered our first hawk attack today. Very unusual around here. All the hens made it safe and sound to the coop, except the slowest one. She was attacked.

I came running - and the hawk was airborne fleeing the scene as I rounded the corner. Our beloved hen, Gigi, survived with a patch of feathers ripped from her back.

I saw the hawk and yelled at it. It lighted on a distant tree. I yelled at it again, and it flew to an even further tree. I yelled at it again, and it flew off over the farthest forest, out of sight. And out here, out of sight is a very long way off.

I examined Gigi, and could find no injuries, ie, no blood. She was "beak down", but with my attention she regained her vigor. The chooks are in lockdown for the night and will be released at first light tomorrow.

I've read that hawks have good memory. That is ... they remember where the food is, but they also remember where the danger is.

So, my question is, will the hawk return? Should I lock-and-load?

Thanks!
-John

 

[sourland]

The hawk will very likely return. They are like weasels with feathers. I have had them hit aviaries within feet of me after my pigeons. I have had them attack a flock of birds eating at my feet. I have had them hanging on aviaries trying to find a way in. Migratory young birds are especially hungry and have not yet learned to fear humans.

 

[lazy gardener]

He will be back. If not him, then an other. I have had hawks sitting in the trees taunting me. They will show up within 10 minutes of the time I let the birds out of their run. I've seen a hawk dancing around on the ground in front of the grow out pen, trying to figure out how to get in, sitting on the top rail of the chicken run. They are evil creatures, not content to eat their natural food chain items, but killing chickens that even out weigh them so they can snack on the tender breast of a defenseless chicken, instead of keeping mouse and other vermin under control.

 

[Johntodd]

Crap. Keep'em coming, folks!

Have to retire for the evening.
-John

 

[aart]

Yep, it'll be back.
Lock your birds in a secure run during the day.

 

[BantyChooks]

He will be back. If not him, then an other. I have had hawks sitting in the trees taunting me. They will show up within 10 minutes of the time I let the birds out of their run. I've seen a hawk dancing around on the ground in front of the grow out pen, trying to figure out how to get in, sitting on the top rail of the chicken run. They are evil creatures, not content to eat their natural food chain items, but killing chickens that even out weigh them so they can snack on the tender breast of a defenseless chicken, instead of keeping mouse and other vermin under control.

I'd found the hawks around here generally kill few chickens except when they're really hungry and when they do manage to get past their fear of humans and dogs to kill they tend to eat it and then not come back for more. Maybe because they've always been interrupted by a furious human hurling rubbish at them?

OP, sorry about the attack. Hope your hen recovers fully.