Hawks

[NuggetTender]

hi! new here so this may have been covered already.
just had a hawk swoop one of my hens. she got away. I was working and dog wasn't doing his job.
question is, it there any viable or neat tricks to keep hawks away during ranging? they stick to the shade in summer but our trees haven't fully come in yet. and I have a german shepherd who normally keeps an eye on them, but he was barking at the neighbors dog. and now I'm nervous to let them out. this is my first hawk attack.
I don't want to keep them cooped. just wanna know if anyone has advice beyond what I'm doing

 

[nuthatched]

Nothing, unfortunately. a dog won't notice a hawk until a chicken is screaming and by that point it's likely too late.

 

[lagrange chicks]

Thats just a risk that is taken free ranging, I've had hawks try to get my girls through the hardware cloth. The girls were pretty scared for a week or so but no victim's.

 

[SamLockwood]

Cover and a good rooster can help with free ranging. The roo is less for fighting them off and more for keeping watch: mine tend to spot flying predators from farther off than I can see.

Late winter to early spring seems to be the worst time for hawk attacks: they're hungrier and there's less natural cover for the chickens to hide in. Short term the solution is just to limit free ranging until the leaves start coming in.

 

[McChooky]

You might want to steer your chickens to an area with hiding places. Being out in the open makes them more vulnerable to hawks.Even a picnic table or car helps

 

[NuggetTender]

Cover and a good rooster can help with free ranging. The roo is less for fighting them off and more for keeping watch: mine tend to spot flying predators from farther off than I can see.

Late winter to early spring seems to be the worst time for hawk attacks: they're hungrier and there's less natural cover for the chickens to hide in. Short term the solution is just to limit free ranging until the leaves start coming in.

precisely my plan, except the roo. zoning laws and all.
they were highly upset and vocal when I collected today and they hadn't been out yet

 

[NuggetTender]

Nothing, unfortunately. a dog won't notice a hawk until a chicken is screaming and by that point it's likely too late.

never thought a dog would be fast enough to attack something as quick as a hawk. he doesn't even think to look up. was more hoping he'd act as a deterrent. he's a shepherd, so he stays close to his flock.
but I realize this is far from fool-proof. and idk if a hungry hawk would even care he's there

 

[nuthatched]

never thought a dog would be fast enough to attack something as quick as a hawk. he doesn't even think to look up. was more hoping he'd act as a deterrent. he's a shepherd, so he stays close to his flock.
but I realize this is far from fool-proof. and idk if a hungry hawk would even care he's there

Unfortunately, a hawk will not give a straw about the dog.