Yikes it's a chicken hawk!

[Tikichicken]

The girls usually run into the coop when the hawk is around, but since he was right above the door they just stood there and looked at him. I've seen him take out birds in mid air. He's also nearly hit me when chasing a bird - they fly low and just barely clear fences. I guess I always thought there were so many wild birds around that they would be easier pickings than the chickens. I only have two girls, so they don't have the protection of a whole flock. I used to let them run around the yard when I was home and got kinda comfortable with leaving them out when I wasn't actually in they yard with them. I'm looking into different ways to reinforce the nylon bird netting. Right now I'm not letting the girls in the run unless I'm close by or the dog is out there to protect them. I don't want the place to look like a jail and have really been planning on making some japanese fencing to add to the coop so it will keep with the theme. Maybe I can criss cross some bamboo on the top too. The run is pretty narrow and I would think the hawk couldn't get his wing span in there, but don't want to take a chance. BTW, yes, I am in San Diego. In other areas of town I've had red tails, but have only seen these small coopers around here(Rolando Park). My small speckeled sussex is actually bigger than the hawk - and she rules the roost. The blue cochin is larger but is skiddish.

 

[mikeinri]

Stop taking pictures of the thing and chase it out of there!!

I have hawks but high flying hawks. None have the gonads to land right above the chickens.

Go buy the netting that is used to cover blueberries. It's light weight and will keep the chicken dinners out of reach.

Or you can wait for it to get hungry again.

 

[Tikichicken]

I grabbed the camera on my way out

- he took off pretty quick. I have that type of netting on the top of the run. It's just so light weight I wasn't sure it would stop him. That's why I don't even let them in the run now unless I'm close by or the dog's outside(she'll protect "her" chickens). I'm thinking hanging a couple of wall mounted planters might help constrict "air space" as well. Maybe criss cross some bamboo over the top too. Do you think the netting is enough?

 

[RHRanch]

The netting will stop him, that hawk doesn't want to risk his life being caught up in the net. However, if he doesn't see it, he might get tangled in it. If that happens, get some leather garden gloves because they can really claw and bite you! You can call a wildlife group or raptor center to come cut him free. I really don't think your birds are in any danger from that hawk. I live in your area and have kept chickens 25 years (In fact, i think I sold some of my hens to you a while back) and have never had a hawk bother a large fowl mature hen. They tend to go for tiny bantams and baby chicks. I free range my large fowl without thinking twice about it, even when a hawk is in my yard. I think you can rest assured that your hens are safe.