what chicken breed for hawk infested area

[molliescollies]

Hi all. I hope I have posted this in the proper place. I am interested in knowing what type of egg-laying chicken breeds do people have if they have free-range chickens where there are large (golden eagle and large red-tailed hawk) raptors? We have lost two chickens

in the last week. We have now put all the girls in the coop 24-7. One of the hens taken was our very large light Brahma. I was considering replacing our "lost" chickens with the more agile leghorns. Any ideas?? Thanks for all your input!

 

[Bantimna]

BR? Barred Rocks, Dominique?

 

[Opa]

The only chickens to have in an area with a high raptor population is the kind with a roof or net over them.

 

[chickensioux]

Unfortunately, no chicken is safe if there are hawks in the area. They must be covered to be 100% safe from hawks.

 

[possumqueen]

Hey, Molliescollies, you've come to the right place.

And I agree with everyone else. netting over the birds, or escort your girls out to their free range, and then be ready to defend them because the hawks just might ignore your presence when they're hunting.

On the other hand, I've heard that the hamburgs are pretty good at eluding predators. I had one once, and it could fly like a kite. Of course, you have to understand that the hamburgs are nervy birds and not very friendly. it's the very thing that makes them good at eluding predators, but not the most fun thing to have if you want your birds to be at least approachable.

Have you thought about a chicken tractor? It's a moveable pen, and you can move them around from day to day so they have fresh ground to scratch, but they're still protected.

maggie

 

[smarsh2]

the more alert/flighty breeds; games, leghorns, hamburgs are more likely to notice and elude a hawk. Of course most people go for the more docile bird for their backyard flock, for the friendliness. On the other hand, the larger breeds may be less likely to be preyed on. All animals of prey size up their quarry. At least the smaller hawks are not as likely to prey on a chicken that out weighs them significantly. Hunger versus chances of getting hurt are always in play. A Red-tailed Hawk weighs about 3lb and a Cooper's only 1lb. I would think taking down a large black Jersey would be a rather daunting task. Has anyone ever had a goose or turkey killed by a hawk?

 

[davidb]

The best type for free ranging to avoid predators is a game breed, There seasonal layers and you will still lose some but not as many as the other types

 

[onthespot]

 

[Wanda]

I agree that they are never going to be safe free-ranging and you need to have them protected with netting or something stronger.

Also, a white chicken, like a leghorn, is going to be more noticable then a darker one, therefore a bigger target.

As far as size goes, I have read postings where the hawks will still kill the large chickens, even if they can't pick them up, they will dive bomb
them and break their necks then eat them on the spot.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

If you have golden eagles, you might consider ostrich or emu.