Coopers Hawk Question

[GnarBite]

I had my first bird killed by a Cooper’s hawk today. First Im surprised this little hawk was able to take down a Wyandotte which was basically the same size. The hawk didn’t get enough time to eat so it hung around after I chased it way.
I remember reading some predators can keep coming back. This was related to Fox but they said to lock the birds up for a few weeks and theywill move on. Is this the case with Cooper Hawks?

 

[aart]

Is this the case with Cooper Hawks?

Yes....any predator will likely try again.

 

[GnarBite]

Yes....any predator will likely try again.

Thanks. How long do you think?

 

[aart]

Thanks. How long do you think?

Could be tomorrow, could be in a week.
No predicting really.

 

[16 and me]

Thanks. How long do you think?

I would keep them locked up for about 2 weeks, but keep your eyes peeled for the hawk throughout. I will usually hang around the first while back out just in case. The last 3 attempts on my flock failed, so it seems they move on and look for easier prey.

 

[Bawkbok]

We have a pair of Peregrine Falcons, smaller than a Coopers Hawk that fly directly over the yard. Any kind of hawk or falcon is a direct threat. We also have a Red Shouldered Hawk that likes to fly in silently and land in the top of two different trees in the yard. If not for the chickens simultaneously looking skyward and panic running under shrubbery the other day, I would never have known it was there. Totally silent. I am now in the habit of looking up at the tree tops for anyone sitting in wait. If you make your presence known, they see you milling about in the yard, or standing near the chickens, they will eventually move on. I am now convinced I must always be out with them while free ranging as it takes only a second for a raptor to dive bomb prey. Otherwise, they are relegated to the run and just have to deal with being confined. They do return, the hawk does a fly over about every other day at various times of the day.

 

[16 and me]

We have a pair of Peregrine Falcons, smaller than a Coopers Hawk that fly directly over the yard. Any kind of hawk or falcon is a direct threat. We also have a Red Shouldered Hawk that likes to fly in silently and land in the top of two different trees in the yard. If not for the chickens simultaneously looking skyward and panic running under shrubbery the other day, I would never have known it was there. Totally silent. I am now in the habit of looking up at the tree tops for anyone sitting in wait. If you make your presence known, they see you milling about in the yard, or standing near the chickens, they will eventually move on. I am now convinced I must always be out with them while free ranging as it takes only a second for a raptor to dive bomb prey. Otherwise, they are relegated to the run and just have to deal with being confined. They do return, the hawk does a fly over about every other day at various times of the day.

A hawk came after Mama Isabel's babies a week ago. I went to warm up my coffee and had just got to my front door when I heard Mama shrieking. Ran back across the yard and the hawk saw me coming and flew off. He must have been sitting in the tree tops waiting for me to leave. Thankfully, Izzy's a great Mama hen and she's dealt with hawks coming after her babies before. Those babies were so well hidden, sandwiched so tightly under the ramp, with Mama in front ready to take on anything that dared approach.

 

[Bawkbok]

A hawk came after Mama Isabel's babies a week ago. I went to warm up my coffee and had just got to my front door when I heard Mama shrieking. Ran back across the yard and the hawk saw me coming and flew off. He must have been sitting in the tree tops waiting for me to leave. Thankfully, Izzy's a great Mama hen and she's dealt with hawks coming after her babies before. Those babies were so well hidden, sandwiched so tightly under the ramp, with Mama in front ready to take on anything that dared approach.

Whew! That was a close call indeed. Grateful your babies are all safe. yeah, I won't run in even for a second to potty or reheat my coffee. That's why they are only out for about 90 minutes max, simply because momma (me) needs a break so I make them go home, then they come out again later.

 

[16 and me]

I completely understand! I've had an eagle come down less than 50' from me going after my barred rock. I was IN the pen refilling waterers while they were OUT free ranging. I was crouched down at the back of the pen where the blackberries would have hid me from his sight so he may not have seen me. As I stood up the eagle was just coming down to snatch Bella, his talons extended. For a brief second I thought it was my rooster and was shocked at how big he looked....then it hit me. I screamed and turned the hose toward it. The eagle left as Bella rushed under the blackberry bushes. I ran around calling them all in and locked them up. They didn't get much free range for a while after that. I just feel horrible keeping them in, because they are so happy foraging in the grass, under the cedar trees, in the compost pile, and dirt bathing in the loose dirt under the old pine tree.

 

[GnarBite]

Thank you