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Posted: 2/28/2023 4:26:25 PM EDT
[#1]
Hawks do not like crows and vice versa. I'm told that having black chickens helps greatly because Hawks see big black chickens as crows and thus will avoid. Of course that only applies if you have a sufficient number of black chickens outside to cover whatever square footage your outdoor enclosure is.
You can also try silver mylar streamers, Putting up high vis fishing line from tree to tree to discourage landing, etc. As far as Introducing new roosters, I think the best option is to have roosters that grew up with each other from young. Besides that, you might try keeping the new recruits in chicken crates or dog cages with their own food and water, and place them inside the room enclosure, and see if that provides opportunity to acclimate over a few days. Theyll still fight each other, it's just the way it goes. Someone will be the victor, someone will be second or third fiddle. Best of luck to you. |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 6:37:34 PM EDT
[#2]
Plant some dwarf trees or bushes in a group where they range. They should go under and hide when they see threats circling, and dwarf trees should be short enough for prey birds not to nest in.
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Posted: 2/28/2023 6:49:45 PM EDT
[#3]
I've lost a couple of birds to hawks, I bought this owl, the head moves around, it's solar powered. It's worked well, I haven't lost another hen. The only cavaet is you have to move it, if you don't the hawks will figure it out. I move it daily when I pick up eggs. Available at Ace, amazon etc.
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Posted: 2/28/2023 6:56:04 PM EDT
[#4]
Thanks for the ideas. I just bought 2 more that grew up together. I think I'll take my Dale back to my brothers and introduce the new pair. One friend told me to add a single, young goose. Like the streamer idea, another told me to suspend cd's across the area on lines. Moving the owl around wouldn't be tough. I like my girls more than I thought.
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Posted: 2/28/2023 7:26:03 PM EDT
[#5]
We have been successful with 2 things since our last attack, luckily we did not lose one, but it was close.
First thing we do is make buddies with the crows. They love peanuts, unsalted, and remember who you are and will click at you in the morning if you forget to feed them some. The next best thing we have found are turkey decoys in the yard. They are big, black, rotate on the mounting post in the breeze or wind and has kept them away to where the crows do not even need to chase them off since I put those out. I have heard people getting those air blowers with the socks that dance like at car dealerships help keep them at bay as well. |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 8:29:52 PM EDT
[#6]
Quote HistoryQuoted: We have been successful with 2 things since our last attack, luckily we did not lose one, but it was close. First thing we do is make buddies with the crows. They love peanuts, unsalted, and remember who you are and will click at you in the morning if you forget to feed them some. The next best thing we have found are turkey decoys in the yard. They are big, black, rotate on the mounting post in the breeze or wind and has kept them away to where the crows do not even need to chase them off since I put those out. I have heard people getting those air blowers with the socks that dance like at car dealerships help keep them at bay as well. Damn if I didn't lose another this afternoon. My multi quote skills are lousy, so I'll post my thoughts here. First - That solar owl is a no-brainer. We are out there twice a day and can easily move it around. Next - I see the occasional crow on the 30 acres, but have never had crow bros. How do I ingratiate myself? I've never even seen them near the farm part. Generally, only on the road in. Turkey decoys are easy...I have those already and can easily add more. Streamers. Tall post? Or do I need to canvas 10 feet overhead in a crisscross kind of pattern? Our wind situation is pretty constant except for the odd day. Not a wind break in sight. Black chickens? Is there a breed that lays well and tolerates Cen Florida climate? As far as the cover is concerned, I think my flock are all dummies. The area is a 1/2 acre rectangle. 1/3 animal structure rectangle, bracketed by 2 similarly sized planting area. Outer fence is 8 feet. Inner, divider fence is standard. All field fence. The chickens largely congregate in the inner, animal rectangle. Their coop is available for retreat, as is the goat structure. Each are 10x10. Both yesterday and today, the birds were milling around doing there willy-nilly things, right next to the carcass. Both days, the hawk fled when I pulled in. Hell - several were simply pecking at the dead bird. Some went into hiding, but the majority were chill. My rooster was present for today's attack. Anyway, the last 2 days have been a drag after multi months of smooth sailing...just as we were hitting 16 or so eggs per day. This hawk has found his own golden corral and it needs to stop. I'm going to keep them penned until I can address some remedies. |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 9:29:01 PM EDT
[#7]
That hawk figured out a easy food source and will continue to come back every few days. My chickens free range on about 40 acres. I lose a few every year. I have one rooster for every 8 hens.
Now back to your problem. That hawk will continue to come back until something physically prevents it from attacking. Geese and guinea’s do a great job of protecting chickens. Much better then a rooster. My dog kills anything that tries to attack my chickens. I’ve seen him kill a bird of prey while it attacked a hen. |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 9:33:34 PM EDT
[#8]
Quote HistoryQuoted: That hawk figured out a easy food source and will continue to come back every few days. My chickens free range on about 40 acres. I lose a few every year. I have one rooster for every 8 hens. Now back to your problem. That hawk will continue to come back until something physically prevents it from attacking. Geese and guinea’s do a great job of protecting chickens. Much better then a rooster. My dog kills anything that tries to attack my chickens. I’ve seen him kill a bird of prey while it attacked a hen. I've considered guinea, but they really have no place to roost...yet. Dog isn't a good option since we don't live on site. Already ordered streamers, solar owl and will add a couple turkey. Still thinking about a goose. I suppose he needs to be young and grow up with the hens. |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 9:40:26 PM EDT
[#9]
Easy answer for the hawk problem....Capture it and use it for hunting.
From another board, but I'm too impressed with this to not share. May not help in your situation.   Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 9:44:22 PM EDT
[#10]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Easy answer for the hawk problem....Capture it and use it for hunting. From another board, but I'm too impressed with this to not share. May not help in your situation. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/Capture_JPG-2729236.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/tempImagemzjot4_jpg-2729237.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/tempImageU1lX1H_jpg-2729239.JPG Neat, but no sir. A felony will not improve my situation. 
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Posted: 2/28/2023 9:58:41 PM EDT
[#11]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Neat, but no sir. A felony will not improve my situation. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Easy answer for the hawk problem....Capture it and use it for hunting. From another board, but I'm too impressed with this to not share. May not help in your situation. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/Capture_JPG-2729236.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/tempImagemzjot4_jpg-2729237.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/tempImageU1lX1H_jpg-2729239.JPG Neat, but no sir. A felony will not improve my situation. Can be done legally, but I jest regarding how easy it is. Good luck with defending your birds and I apologize for the distraction. 
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Posted: 2/28/2023 9:59:36 PM EDT
[#12]
Black Austrelopes are a good laying bird, and quite friendly too.
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Posted: 2/28/2023 10:04:57 PM EDT
[#13]
With a 10x10 coop you will likely have problems with more than one rooster. To stop predation fence in an outdoor area and cover it with poultry netting or something similar. That is the only way I have been able to completely stop loss of birds to predators.
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Posted: 2/28/2023 10:35:53 PM EDT
[#14]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Black Austrelopes are a good laying bird, and quite friendly too. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/103648/Screenshot_2023-02-28_at_5_58_03_PM-2729271.png Noted and thank you. |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 10:36:28 PM EDT
[#15]
Quote HistoryQuoted: With a 10x10 coop you will likely have problems with more than one rooster. To stop predation fence in an outdoor area and cover it with poultry netting or something similar. That is the only way I have been able to completely stop loss of birds to predators. Not real feasible with my setup. |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 10:37:39 PM EDT
[#16]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Can be done legally, but I jest regarding how easy it is. Good luck with defending your birds and I apologize for the distraction. No need and no apologies necessary. My hobby list is taller than I am. |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 10:40:28 PM EDT
[#17]
In some places it is legal to kill a hawk that is killing your livestock. It may be worth seeing what the law says there. If you don't want to kill it, and it is legal, you may try giving it a shot of .22 birdshot. It may get the hint and leave for a safer place. I AM IN NO WAY SUGGESTING DOING ANYTHING ILLEGAL. CHECK THE LAWS FIRST! Ok, there is the disclaimer.
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Posted: 2/28/2023 10:44:28 PM EDT
[#18]
Quote HistoryQuoted: In some places it is legal to kill a hawk that is killing your livestock. It may be worth seeing what the law says there. If you don't want to kill it, and it is legal, you may try giving it a shot of .22 birdshot. It may get the hint and leave for a safer place. I AM IN NO WAY SUGGESTING DOING ANYTHING ILLEGAL. CHECK THE LAWS FIRST! Ok, there is the disclaimer. I hear you. I'm 2 days into a (hopefully) temporary problem. I'm saddened by it, but it's a hawk doing hawk things. Should it persist, I'll explore other legal options. |
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Posted: 2/28/2023 11:10:45 PM EDT
[#19]
I have lost a few to hawks. They are super brazen about it. One snatch one up about 10 feet from me, it got startled when it saw me and dropped the chicken.
Another time I caught one eating one of mine in the back of the yard, I ran out to try to shoot him while he was on the ground but he just flew up in a tree a few feet away. I have houses close by so I can’t just start shooting into the trees. I sat there for hours waiting for him to come back down to finish his meal but he just sat there until it got dark and flew away. Worse thing about having chickens is everything wants to kill your chickens. I did hang some cds in the trees since than and haven’t had an attack, but then again over the past several years it seems like a hawk will show up and kill a few chickens over the course of a couple weeks then it will be months or a year until it happens again. I have a large cat that I raised with my chickens that likes to fight the opossums and raccoons that try to get them at night. Silly cat will be laying around with the chicken napping in the shade with them during the day. |
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Posted: 3/1/2023 1:26:35 PM EDT
[#20]
Could you not drive in some t-posts (or some other type of post) and bungee/tie a plastic fence netting like this (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Tenax-Actual-50-ft-x-4-ft-Green-HDPE-Extruded-Mesh-Rolled-Fencing/3457520) to the posts? A run cover is the most effective way to prevent hawks from killing your chickens. You don't have to cover the run 100%, just cover enough to prevent them from easily flying in.
We do have 2 ducks that we let free range with our chickens. Ducks will instinctively watch the sky and sound the alarm when something flies over. |
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Posted: 3/2/2023 9:44:47 AM EDT
[#21]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Could you not drive in some t-posts (or some other type of post) and bungee/tie a plastic fence netting like this (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Tenax-Actual-50-ft-x-4-ft-Green-HDPE-Extruded-Mesh-Rolled-Fencing/3457520) to the posts? A run cover is the most effective way to prevent hawks from killing your chickens. You don't have to cover the run 100%, just cover enough to prevent them from easily flying in. We do have 2 ducks that we let free range with our chickens. Ducks will instinctively watch the sky and sound the alarm when something flies over. They have 2 separate 10x10 structures they can run into. They didn't seem bothered at all when their friends were being eaten. I am going to fasten pvc to crisscross streamers at around 12 feet. Adding an owl or 2. I'm going to source that black breed mentioned above. It's just weird though. My brother's birds are about 500 yards away. They range all over the place, including the neighbor's cow pasture. Often there isn't an escort in sight. He's been at it for over a year without issue. |
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Posted: 3/2/2023 1:07:54 PM EDT
[#22]
Quote HistoryQuoted: They have 2 separate 10x10 structures they can run into. They didn't seem bothered at all when their friends were being eaten. I am going to fasten pvc to crisscross streamers at around 12 feet. Adding an owl or 2. I'm going to source that black breed mentioned above. It's just weird though. My brother's birds are about 500 yards away. They range all over the place, including the neighbor's cow pasture. Often there isn't an escort in sight. He's been at it for over a year without issue. I've lost one chicken to a hawk, and it was the same thing. I actually had 4 roosters in the run at the time. Instead of going in their coop, they just stood around and watched along with the hens. It seems like unless there is some kind of warning sounded, they'll just sit there and watch. That's why I like keeping a couple of ducks around. And FWIW I also have a couple of black chickens, and that did not deter the hawk. After that incident I added the plastic fencing over the run, and even though it doesn't cover the entire run, there have been no more issues. I think as long as you are able to put a visible deterrent that the hawk sees as a potential obstruction for flying in, you should be ok. |
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Posted: 3/3/2023 7:32:07 PM EDT
[#23]
I may have made a crow bro today. When I arrived, a large crow was chilling on one of my 10 ft. posts that borders the planting area and animal structures. He retreated briefly to our fence line with the neighbor. When I knew he was watching, I threw a handful of unshelled peanuts on the outside of the planting area and continued about the business of chickens and goats. He came to the peanuts, grabbed one or 2 and then retreated again to the fence line.
I threw some scratch in the hen house (still sheltered since the killings) and then took scratch and put a bit where the peanuts were and on the opposite side. Crow bro again returned and checked it out, had a bite and then flew to the opposite side of the planting area and was just checking us out. I'm still framming around, doing water and goat stuff. I noted not-bro hawk on approach. Crow bro took wing towards it and hawk deviated and kept on going. I really want some natural helpers around. If any of you have tips on how to cultivate a crow relationship, help me out. I want a murder! If I'm consistent with throwing a bit of food for him in the mornings and afternoons, will he stick around? Will he tell his friends about me? I haven't had the time or material yet to do the reflective stuff. On that, will the reflective stuff dissuade crows, or are they smarter than that? TLDR: I want crows hanging around my chickens. |
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Posted: 3/3/2023 8:50:08 PM EDT
[#24]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Could you not drive in some t-posts (or some other type of post) and bungee/tie a plastic fence netting like this (https://www.lowes.com/pd/Tenax-Actual-50-ft-x-4-ft-Green-HDPE-Extruded-Mesh-Rolled-Fencing/3457520) to the posts? A run cover is the most effective way to prevent hawks from killing your chickens. You don't have to cover the run 100%, just cover enough to prevent them from easily flying in. We do have 2 ducks that we let free range with our chickens. Ducks will instinctively watch the sky and sound the alarm when something flies over. I have tried to use that for deer fencing. It catches the most minor winds and rips apart. I have looked into netting for cherry trees and the like but found out the hard way like everyone else that it simply murders the living hell out of small birds. I bet I rescued 30 birds in the two weeks I had it up and still had to take it down from all the dead birds rotting in the net. Online reviews seemed to say the same. Seemed like a good idea to me as well. 
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Posted: 3/3/2023 8:51:51 PM EDT
[#25]
We buy the 50lb bag of unsalted in the shell peanuts at the feed store and throw out a solo cup full every day or 2. We only had a couple hanging around when we started. About 6 months later we now have a min of 3 crows hanging around at any given time. In the morning it is more like 10-15. And let me tell you, when one of them gets on a hawk, they call in the reinforcements and they come in force rather quickly.
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Posted: 3/3/2023 10:10:53 PM EDT
[#26]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I have tried to use that for deer fencing. It catches the most minor winds and rips apart. I have looked into netting for cherry trees and the like but found out the hard way like everyone else that it simply murders the living hell out of small birds. I bet I rescued 30 birds in the two weeks I had it up and still had to take it down from all the dead birds rotting in the net. Online reviews seemed to say the same. Seemed like a good idea to me as well. I've actually had good luck with that plastic fencing. I thought it would last about a year, and we're on year 3 now. We routinely get strong winds, and it's held up well, but I did attach it with bungee cords so they have some give. In regards to the bird netting, we use it for our tomatoes and blueberries. We just drape it over the plants, and the birds stay away. I've never had a bird get stuck in the netting. Now if we could just keep the hummingbirds from flying in the garage that would be great, but they can't resist the tail lights. |
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Posted: 3/4/2023 9:10:30 AM EDT
[#27]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I've actually had good luck with that plastic fencing. I thought it would last about a year, and we're on year 3 now. We routinely get strong winds, and it's held up well, but I did attach it with bungee cords so they have some give. In regards to the bird netting, we use it for our tomatoes and blueberries. We just drape it over the plants, and the birds stay away. I've never had a bird get stuck in the netting. Now if we could just keep the hummingbirds from flying in the garage that would be great, but they can't resist the tail lights. I'm going to work on fencing today. I'll play with a section and try bungees instead of wire ties. I'll do it for science! On the netting, we were using it overhead to keep hawks out of the chickens. Think of a set up more like military camo netting. It worked a little too well. I think birds were just flying right into it without understanding they had to not fly in that spot anymore. It was far more intrusive than on plants as you were using it. I saw online reviews with the same problem in the same use. |
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Posted: 3/4/2023 9:00:43 PM EDT
[#28]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Thanks for the ideas. I just bought 2 more that grew up together. I think I'll take my Dale back to my brothers and introduce the new pair. One friend told me to add a single, young goose. Like the streamer idea, another told me to suspend cd's across the area on lines. Moving the owl around wouldn't be tough. I like my girls more than I thought. Chickens grow on you. Hard to lose. Also hard to introduce new individuals. I tried with a hen that was given to us. I failed and gave her back. We will try with six new younguns as soon as they are old enough to maintain their body temps. Will put them in a dog crate wrapped with chicken wire, inside the chicken pen, and see what happens. |
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Posted: 3/4/2023 9:03:22 PM EDT
[#29]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Easy answer for the hawk problem....Capture it and use it for hunting. From another board, but I'm too impressed with this to not share. May not help in your situation. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/Capture_JPG-2729236.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/tempImagemzjot4_jpg-2729237.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/tempImageU1lX1H_jpg-2729239.JPG UPDATE: This is illegal in all states, unless you have a falconry license. Hard to get. Yeah, I know, OP was kidding. But we don't need any extra attention from federal agencies. Can you please edit? @FDC Thanks, and sorry. *I hate when I have to be the jack booted thug.
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Posted: 3/4/2023 9:07:47 PM EDT
[#30]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I'm going to work on fencing today. I'll play with a section and try bungees instead of wire ties. I'll do it for science! On the netting, we were using it overhead to keep hawks out of the chickens. Think of a set up more like military camo netting. It worked a little too well. I think birds were just flying right into it without understanding they had to not fly in that spot anymore. It was far more intrusive than on plants as you were using it. I saw online reviews with the same problem in the same use. The netting was awful for us. We were catching 1-2 songbirds per day. It was horrible. Especially with the birds that mate for life. I'm a softie like that.
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Posted: 3/4/2023 9:10:07 PM EDT
[#31]
Quote HistoryQuoted: This is illegal as far as I know in all states. Can you please edit? @FDC Thanks, and sorry. *I hate when I have to be the jack booted thug. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: Easy answer for the hawk problem....Capture it and use it for hunting. From another board, but I'm too impressed with this to not share. May not help in your situation. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/Capture_JPG-2729236.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/tempImagemzjot4_jpg-2729237.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/tempImageU1lX1H_jpg-2729239.JPG This is illegal as far as I know in all states. Can you please edit? @FDC Thanks, and sorry. *I hate when I have to be the jack booted thug. It is not illegal in the state those pics were taken in. MA. https://massachusettsfalconryandhawktrust.wordpress.com/so-you-want-to-be-a-falconer/  Attached Fileand again, OP, I apologize for derailing your thread. |
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Posted: 3/4/2023 9:12:40 PM EDT
[#32]
Quote HistoryQuoted: It is not illegal in the state those pics were taken in. MA. https://massachusettsfalconryandhawktrust.wordpress.com/so-you-want-to-be-a-falconer/ https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/99516/Capture_JPG-2734135.JPG and again, OP, I apologize for derailing your thread. And I would have thought it was ridiculous, trying to take a wild bird and do this. It is illegal without a falconry license. Now I have a rabbit hole to go down. |
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Posted: 3/16/2023 1:39:36 PM EDT
[#33]
Hawk mitigation in progress. We made 50 5' pipes with 7.5' streamers are starting dressing up the area. It looks like damn car lot from a distance.
We also hung the first crossing line yesterday at around 15' feet high. These are expensive eggs indeed. In both time and $$$, but I do like them. I hope this makes us less of a target. Now I just need a reliable chicken door. Ours went up voluntarily, but not down. The goats also thought it a good idea to eat the solar wire.  Attached File Attached File Attached File Attached File |
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Posted: 3/17/2023 12:56:34 AM EDT
[#34]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Hawk mitigation in progress. We made 50 5' pipes with 7.5' streamers are starting dressing up the area. It looks like damn car lot from a distance. We also hung the first crossing line yesterday at around 15' feet high. These are expensive eggs indeed. In both time and $$$, but I do like them. I hope this makes us less of a target. Now I just need a reliable chicken door. Ours went up voluntarily, but not down. The goats also thought it a good idea to eat the solar wire. https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/112839/1678988203512_jpg-2748102.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/112839/1678988185413_jpg-2748103.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/112839/1678988199091_jpg-2748106.JPG https://www.ar15.com/media/mediaFiles/112839/1678988192375_jpg-2748107.JPG VERY interested in this, and how it works. Please let us know your results? Bump this thread even with no new information and that is okay in my book, because this is important to a lot of folks. |
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Posted: 3/17/2023 1:09:22 AM EDT
[#35]
What you are advocating is illegal. Saying "not advocating anything illegal" does not undo what you have said.
Let's not derail OP's good thread, or get our forum in trouble. ~Kitties |
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Posted: 3/17/2023 2:29:27 AM EDT
[#36]
My apologies.
Having had this issue all my life, I was merely stating the obvious. I have not and do not advocate this or have done this. Just stating that once a raptor finds easy food, they won't stop coming back. Ask me how I know.I understand the OP's frustration. OP, unless you can limit the hawk's access by netting, you will take occasional losses. All of the remedies will slow down the issue but not stop it. |
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Posted: 3/17/2023 3:25:58 AM EDT
[#37]
idk, but if you get a hawk that has tasted your chickens, then he will be back for more and its very hard to stop them once they have your location zeroed in.
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Posted: 3/17/2023 6:21:17 AM EDT
[#38]
A friend of mine said you have to defeat the angle the hawk dives in.
He uses the mobile electric fence that looks like a volleyball net. |
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Posted: 3/17/2023 12:24:10 PM EDT
[#39]
As always, I appreciate the input. Thus far, I have only lost 2 birds of my 21. I'm not exactly in panic mode.
I have not given the first thought to harming the bird. I haven't even explored the regs. Generally speaking, I am rather accepting of an animal's nature. Bobcats hunt our precious Osceolas. Every several years, bear hammer my feeders. I lost my bee hives a few years back to bear as well. I don't blame bear or bobcats for doing their thing, and I just cannot blame the hawk as well. Feral hogs and coyotes are a different matter, however. Part of my legal world is implementing conservation easements. Right now we are trying to link a number of ranches (10's of 1000's of acres) together to establish a wildlife migration corridor. Some easements are simply to preserve "old Florida" plant life. Anyway, if I'm going to operate in an area home to Florida's wonderful critters, it's on me to sort out how to protect what's mine, without overly disturbing theirs. My goal with the chickens is simply to have raptors seek out softer targets. Its just not feasible to make the whole area fort knox. There are completely unprotected (save their coops) chickens 600 yards away from me. It is a little difficult to make out in the pictures, but those streams are very bright and busy. We always have a decent breeze too. We have had a fox squirrel on the perimeter of the 10 acres since I've owned it. Now that the planting/animal area is a disco, he has come inside the wire to chill with the birds. I found that rather telling. An animal that spends much of his day looking up would rather be at my house. Anyway, sorry for the lengthy post. I just wanted to clarify how I feel about the situation. I would feel different if it was TEOTWAWKI, but it isn't...yet. Happy Saint Patrick's Day all! |
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Posted: 3/17/2023 7:02:26 PM EDT
[#40]
I made friends with the local Hawks by feeding them. Being a hunter and trapper I have scraps I can feed them. I also give them any chicken, turkey etc. I eat what I want and set the rest out for the Hawks. They haven't killed one of my chickens in a couple of years of doing this.
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Posted: 3/17/2023 10:59:27 PM EDT
[#41]
Quote HistoryQuoted: My apologies. Having had this issue all my life, I was merely stating the obvious. I have not and do not advocate this or have done this. Just stating that once a raptor finds easy food, they won't stop coming back. Ask me how I know.I understand the OP's frustration. OP, unless you can limit the hawk's access by netting, you will take occasional losses. All of the remedies will slow down the issue but not stop it. Understood. Thank you so much for your response, and yes. I have been frustrated by same. I hate netting because it catches birds and they die a bad death. Covering with wire of some kind is an excellent way to fix the situation, but that is way more expensive. So...the question becomes...how do we make Chicken Fort Knox without breaking the bank?
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Posted: 3/17/2023 11:05:18 PM EDT
[#42]
Quote HistoryQuoted: As always, I appreciate the input. Thus far, I have only lost 2 birds of my 21. I'm not exactly in panic mode. I have not given the first thought to harming the bird. I haven't even explored the regs. Generally speaking, I am rather accepting of an animal's nature. Bobcats hunt our precious Osceolas. Every several years, bear hammer my feeders. I lost my bee hives a few years back to bear as well. I don't blame bear or bobcats for doing their thing, and I just cannot blame the hawk as well. Feral hogs and coyotes are a different matter, however. Part of my legal world is implementing conservation easements. Right now we are trying to link a number of ranches (10's of 1000's of acres) together to establish a wildlife migration corridor. Some easements are simply to preserve "old Florida" plant life. Anyway, if I'm going to operate in an area home to Florida's wonderful critters, it's on me to sort out how to protect what's mine, without overly disturbing theirs. My goal with the chickens is simply to have raptors seek out softer targets. Its just not feasible to make the whole area fort knox. There are completely unprotected (save their coops) chickens 600 yards away from me. It is a little difficult to make out in the pictures, but those streams are very bright and busy. We always have a decent breeze too. We have had a fox squirrel on the perimeter of the 10 acres since I've owned it. Now that the planting/animal area is a disco, he has come inside the wire to chill with the birds. I found that rather telling. An animal that spends much of his day looking up would rather be at my house. Anyway, sorry for the lengthy post. I just wanted to clarify how I feel about the situation. I would feel different if it was TEOTWAWKI, but it isn't...yet. Happy Saint Patrick's Day all! That is very telling, that your old squirrel likes to hang in that perimeter. OP, PLEASE keep this thread going. I am rooting for your method, for your chickens, and for your "Yoda Squirrel." Aside: We have an old one we used to call "Gray nose." (The gray hair indicates he is old.) We watched him for a few years, then he wasn't around in his normal trees that we watch from the windows. We thought he was gone. Then a neighbor kid who is into photography posted some photos on facebook. It was Gray Nose!!!! We were SO GLAD to see he was still okay, and hanging out in trees near the property edge. They are not stupid, and just like warriors who have been through a lot of conflicts, they are not old and gray because they're easy targets. |
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Posted: 3/18/2023 9:45:27 AM EDT
[#43]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I made friends with the local Hawks by feeding them. Being a hunter and trapper I have scraps I can feed them. I also give them any chicken, turkey etc. I eat what I want and set the rest out for the Hawks. They haven't killed one of my chickens in a couple of years of doing this. |
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Posted: 3/18/2023 11:09:47 AM EDT
[#44]
Quote HistoryQuoted: I used to be in the same thinking, they will find a way in, although it will help lessen the blow and luckily didnt snap my hens neck because he had to bleed so much speed off. My coop is fenced in and chain link fence on the west side. On the east and north are blocked by 2 large trees and the area outside my coop in the decorative fenced off area is only about 18 feet wide. To get a shot at a hen from above, you would literally need a jdam. Well the wife decided to let the girls out into the decorative run to let them eat some of the grasses growing around the coop. Watched the hawk come in from under the avacado tree at the picket fence height, pull up once inside the opening for the decorative area around the coop just missing running into the chain link fence, gain altitude to about 10 foot, tucked its wings, stalled and dropped right on top of a hen. It was actually a sight to see. Luckily the dog went ape shit and scared it off and the hen only had a small cut on her back and ended up being fine after a night inside. Quote HistoryQuoted: Quoted: I made friends with the local Hawks by feeding them. Being a hunter and trapper I have scraps I can feed them. I also give them any chicken, turkey etc. I eat what I want and set the rest out for the Hawks. They haven't killed one of my chickens in a couple of years of doing this. I'll admit I am quite hesitant to feed the thing. I would prefer he move on to happier hunting grounds than to look to me for a consistent meal. I have several rather brave birds that range beyond the wire as well. I'm crossing fingers the coming weeks are boring. |
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Posted: 3/18/2023 11:19:59 AM EDT
[#45]
Very timely thread for me. Just yesterday my buff orp hen went missing. I presume to be from a hawk or other bird of prey. I could find zero trace of her. No feathers, blood, or anything. Other than getting my entire flock wiped out last summer due to a coon family exploiting a coop weakness (now fixed) this is my first loss to predators. It sucks. I hatched her from an egg and she was a great layer. I DO have a rooster (Beavis) that is very docile. Perhaps too docile. I had to choose between him and his son a few weeks ago when they ended up in a death fight. The prick roo lost. I think I'm going to try one of those owl decoys mentioned above. Good luck OP!
RIP Goldie
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Posted: 3/18/2023 11:30:03 AM EDT
[#46]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Very timely thread for me. Just yesterday my buff orp hen went missing. I presume to be from a hawk or other bird of prey. I could find zero trace of her. No feathers, blood, or anything. Other than getting my entire flock wiped out last summer due to a coon family exploiting a coop weakness (now fixed) this is my first loss to predators. It sucks. I hatched her from an egg and she was a great layer. I DO have a rooster (Beavis) that is very docile. Perhaps too docile. I had to choose between him and his son a few weeks ago when they ended up in a death fight. The prick roo lost. I think I'm going to try one of those own decoys mentioned above. Good luck OP! RIP Goldie No sign is a bit peculiar. Could she have gone on walk about? My crime scenes were grizzly with feathers. Do you have coyotes? I could see one them snatching a bird and bolting. Sorry to hear about Goldie. I'm pleading with my 11 year old not to name the birds, but damn if she hasn't named 15 or so. Some pics of my setup. Coop on the right. Breezeway and goat house on the left. Don't laugh at the construction. I had my handman erect the shell. Although instructed otherwise, the damn things were 5' tall at the entry, appropriate for hobbits. I had him add a board and at 6'2", I'm still banging my head on the regular. Apparently he was worried about shade and rain. Forgive the tarps too. My wife keeps promising to remove them...winter is long gone.  Attached FileWired top and bottom. The bottom runs out and is buried.  Attached FileRoost with tarp to catch the poop.  Attached File Attached FileFirst overhead line. Ordered more material, but have put out approx 450' of tape.  Attached File |
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Posted: 3/18/2023 11:41:00 AM EDT
[#47]
This is one of the interior lanes. No matter which direction the wind is coming from, there are streamers overhead.
 Attached FileThis is my mountain range of mulch. My little machine is in the shop, but I am eager to keep turning it. My goal here is to compost it a bit and then put a 6-8" layer on the planting area and let the chickens do their thing. I represent an electric cooperative and they are dropping it until I tell them to stop. 12-13 truck loads so far from the right of way guys. All oak too.  Attached File |
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Posted: 3/18/2023 12:51:55 PM EDT
[#48]
Quote HistoryQuoted: Damn if I didn't lose another this afternoon. My multi quote skills are lousy, so I'll post my thoughts here. First - That solar owl is a no-brainer. We are out there twice a day and can easily move it around. Next - I see the occasional crow on the 30 acres, but have never had crow bros. How do I ingratiate myself? I've never even seen them near the farm part. Generally, only on the road in. Turkey decoys are easy...I have those already and can easily add more. Streamers. Tall post? Or do I need to canvas 10 feet overhead in a crisscross kind of pattern? Our wind situation is pretty constant except for the odd day. Not a wind break in sight. Black chickens? Is there a breed that lays well and tolerates Cen Florida climate? As far as the cover is concerned, I think my flock are all dummies. The area is a 1/2 acre rectangle. 1/3 animal structure rectangle, bracketed by 2 similarly sized planting area. Outer fence is 8 feet. Inner, divider fence is standard. All field fence. The chickens largely congregate in the inner, animal rectangle. Their coop is available for retreat, as is the goat structure. Each are 10x10. Both yesterday and today, the birds were milling around doing there willy-nilly things, right next to the carcass. Both days, the hawk fled when I pulled in. Hell - several were simply pecking at the dead bird. Some went into hiding, but the majority were chill. My rooster was present for today's attack. Anyway, the last 2 days have been a drag after multi months of smooth sailing...just as we were hitting 16 or so eggs per day. This hawk has found his own golden corral and it needs to stop. I'm going to keep them penned until I can address some remedies. Black sex links also known as black stars lay very well and are good with the heat in Fl. We have had this type for years. Usually get new chicks from McMurray every couple of years. |
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Posted: 3/18/2023 1:38:54 PM EDT
[#49]
I saw a falcon take a guys baby once:
See here  A Falcon Stole My Baby | The Eric Andre Show | adult swim |
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Posted: 3/18/2023 4:12:38 PM EDT
[#50]
A couple of good roosters are a must. I’ve only lost young chickens to hawks. Once they get to a big enough size, the hawks tend to leave them alone, in my experience.
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