First hawk attack

[Jessd0911]

We had our first attack and it was terrifying. I was standing about 10 ft from where it happened on the patio and the birds were next to me on the grass between house and trees. A hawk came out of nowhere and landed on one of my hens. I screamed so loud and started running toward and thankfully the hawk let go and flew away. It took forever to get my 16 birds back to their coop as we were enjoying some free range time around 5p. When I counted I only had 15. After more searching I found my girl that got attacked hiding in my basement. I had the door open when it happened. She was missing a good bit of feathers on the neck and didn’t seem great but thankfully the next day she was back to normal!

I knew this was a concern but honestly now that my chickens are a bit larger I truly didn’t think I had to worry as much especially with me being right next to them! I’m so scared for future freedom runs and wonder how I should handle. I’d love some advice from anyone willing to provide!

 

[lagrange chicks]

The only advise I have is free ranging = loss. As you saw yourself being out with them and it happened. I knew in the beginning free ranging would never work where I live due to the number of predators here. I only have 7 chickens for eggs and to lose any cuts the egg count. To me they are kind of a investment (money-time) I protect.

 

[SamLockwood]

There's a variety of ways you can reduce the risks of free-ranging but it will never be zero. If any losses at all are intolerable to you, don't free-range.

 

[Duckasana]

Guardgeese would honk or scream the hell out of nearly all aerial predators! (Usually before they even get close unless they're busy eating or playing with the human)

I had an golden eagle come swooping down just above my apple tree to grab a duck but my 2 ganders screamed the hell out of the predator(deafening loud) and it flew away. They could also put up a fight if it flew close enough.