How to Keep Hawks Away from Chickens? [15 Proven Methods For Effective Bird Control]

 

 

Are you tired of constantly worrying about hawks attacking your chickens?

In fact, it can be stressful for poultry farmers and a big problem in raising chickens.

But, worry not. We've got some easy and proven ways to protect your lovely ladies.

We've come up with 15 methods that work, so your chickens can be safe from those dangerous hawks. 

We'll show you how to keep them protected and free from harm and fear. From making your coop secure to giving them guard animals, we've got it all covered. 

Don't let hawks ruin your flock - keep reading and find out how to stop them for good.

 

How To Prevent Hawks From Getting Near Your Chickens? 

1. Install Hawk Netting 

Hawk netting is a special type of mesh net. Poultry farmers use it to protect their chickens from hawks and other birds that can attack from above. Use this netting as a wall around the chicken area or on top of it like a roof. This kind of netting shows up quickly from high up, which can scare off hawks and other predators that want to devour chickens. What’s good about this hawk netting is that it is very effective, affordable, easy to install, and provides a solution that lasts longer than other bird control methods.

So, if you want to look for a durable, high-quality "tangle-free" bird net that is ultimately effective in protecting your chicken coop against hawks, we highly recommend this product for you. Visit this website.

 

2. Utilize Hawk Deterrents

• Reflective Tape to get them away

It is a simple, inexpensive deterrent that keeps hawks away from your chicken coop. The tape is made of a material that reflects light, thus creating flashes of movement and brightness as it blows in the wind. 

Hawks are visually oriented predators, and the sudden and unpredictable reflections from the tape can confuse and startle them, making them hesitant to approach the area. 

To use this deterrent, you can hang strips of reflective tape around the coop or nearby trees, ensuring it catches the sunlight or any other light source for maximum effect.

 

• Predator Eyes

Also known as scare-eye balloons or scare-eye diverters. They are designed to resemble the eyes of larger predators like owls or other birds of prey. 

These large, intimidating eye patterns are typically printed on balloons or other reflective materials. 

The idea behind a predator's eyes is to make it seem like a dangerous predator is around. In essence, this makes hawks hesitate before coming close to your chicken coop.

These balloons can be hung from nearby trees or posts around the coop. While some designs even have a wind-activated movement, making them more convincing to hawks.

 

 

• Scarecrows

Scarecrows have been used for centuries to keep birds, including hawks, away from crops and valuable assets like chickens. A scarecrow is a human-like figure, often made from old clothes stuffed with straw or other materials and placed in a visible location within or near the coop. 

In particular, the presence of a scarecrow can deter hawks, as they associate it with potential danger, even though it doesn't move or make noise. In the same way, to enhance the effectiveness of a scarecrow, consider moving it occasionally to give the illusion of a live presence and prevent hawks from becoming accustomed to its existence.

 

• Noise-Making Devices

These devices have a design that emits loud and unexpected sounds, which startle and scare off hawks. Air horns, wind chimes, or motion-activated devices that produce loud noises when a hawk approaches are among the popular noise-makers. Definitely, the sudden loud sounds can disrupt hawks' hunting patterns and make them wary of the area, encouraging them to seek quieter locations for their prey. Be warned, too, when you use noise-making devices. It's essential to absolutely consider your neighbors and local regulations, as some areas may have noise restrictions. 

3. Get a Guardian Animals

People have used guardian animals for a long time to protect farm animals and crops from predators. In particular, two of the most used animals are dogs and roosters. These animals offer significant benefits. First, their presence alone can scare away threats like coyotes, foxes, and eagles. When these predators sense a guardian animal nearby, they are less likely to come close to a group of sheep or a chicken coop.

In addition, larger animals like donkeys or alpacas can be protectors, too, able to fend off even the most aggressive predators. 

 

4. Practice Free-range Supervision

Keep a close eye on your flocks while they roam freely. This supervision is crucial as well to keep them safe from any dangers that might come their way. Ensure they have a secure outdoor space within your sight, so you can easily watch over them and act quickly. Also, be aware of the times when hawks are most active. They tend to be more active at certain times of the day, so paying attention to your chickens during those periods can help prevent hawk attacks. 

5. Remove Attractants

To avoid attracting hawks to your property, remove things that might tempt them. Like storing chicken feed and water containers securely, and keep any food scraps out of reach. Doing this will reduce the chances of hawks finding easy prey around your property, making it less likely for them to visit. 

6. Grow Plants That Provide Protection

Create natural barriers around your chicken coop by thoughtfully planting shrubs, bushes, and trees. This serves two purposes: it gives your chickens some cover to hide under and blocks hawks' view. For this reason, it is challenging for them to spot and attack your flock. Additionally, prune high trees that may keep them perching on your coop making it easy for them to swoop down on your birds.

7. Opt for Hawk-Proof Feeders and Waterers

Consider getting unique feeders and waterers to keep hawks away from your chickens. These containers certainly have clever barriers that stop hawks from reaching in and snatching your chickens while they're eating or drinking. As a matter of fact, these hawk-proof feeders and waterers will give your chickens an added layer of protection, ensuring they can eat and drink without fear of hawk attacks. Not only a smart investment but also safeguards your flock and keep them safe from potential predators.

 

Strengthen Strategies to Keep Hawks From Targeting Your Chickens

8. Apply Camouflage Techniques

One effective method is blending the coop with its surroundings. You can do this by using earthy colors or painting them to match the landscape. Also, cover the pen with netting or fencing that reaches the ground and nearby plants. Besides, this helps the coop blend in, making it less noticeable to hawks from above.

9. Use Automated Sprinklers

Consider installing automatic predator sprinklers near your coop area. These sprinklers work when they detect motion and spray water to scare away hawks and other possible dangers. Anyway, the motion-activation feature ensures they only activate when needed, conserving water and minimizing false triggers. Moreover, these predator sprinklers can effectively and humanely protect your chickens from aerial predators and other threats. 

10. Set Up Perches and Roosts

Consider adding perches and roosts inside the coop. Hawks often target chickens on the ground, but if you provide plenty of elevated spots, the chickens will spend more time off the ground and be safer from hawks. Moreover, make sure to install perches at different heights and ensure there's enough space for all the chickens to roost comfortably without overcrowding.

 

11. Evaluate Your Surroundings

Look around your property for high perches or nesting spots where hawks might hang out. Knowing where these places are, you can plan and take steps to protect your chickens from potential attacks. As a result, awareness of the hawks' preferred hunting areas helps you be proactive in keeping your flock safe. 

12. Build a Hawk-Watching Post

Consider building a post where you can watch for hawks using a telescope or binoculars. This way, you can regularly monitor the skies around your property. By being vigilant, you'll be able to spot any hawks that might be nearby and take the necessary steps to protect your chickens.

13. Encourage Community Support

Work with other neighborhood chicken owners to create a community defense plan against hawks. By joining forces, you can share valuable information and combine resources to enhance your flock's safety. While collaborating with your neighbours, it allows you to learn from each other's experiences and develop effective ways to protect your chickens from hawk attacks. Together, you can create a more robust defense against potential threats and ensure the well-being of your feathered friends.

14. Monitor Local Hawk Activity

Keep an eye on the hawks in your area and learn about their activity and habits. This information is valuable because it lets you predict when hawks might be dangerous to your chickens. By staying informed, you can be proactive and take steps to protect your flock from potential hawk attacks. Eventually, knowing the local hawk patterns gives you an advantage in safeguarding your chickens and keeping them safe from harm.

15. Invest in Predator-Proof Fencing

And lastly, this sturdy fencing. Regular fences may not be enough to keep hawks and other predators out. A special type of fencing called predator-proof fencing is designed to be strong and prevent hawks from getting in. It is made from rigid materials like heavy-duty metal to stop hawks from breaking through or damaging the fence.

In fact, the good thing about predator-proof fencing is that it keeps hawks away and other predators like foxes, raccoons, and coyotes out. These predators can also harm chickens, so predator-proof fencing also keeps them away. It gives your flock complete protection from different types of predators.

 

Summary

To sum it up, protecting your chickens from hawks requires a proactive approach. By incorporating one or more of these 15 tried-and-true methods, you can create a formidable defense system for your flock. 

As a result, you'll be equipped to outsmart those cunning hawks, from hawk netting to using visual deterrents and employing predator-proofing techniques. 

So don't let your chickens become easy targets! 

Take charge, utilize these strategies, and ensure the safety and well-being of your beloved feathered friends. 

Planning and preparation allow you to keep your coop hawk-free and enjoy peace of mind with happy, secure chickens.

 

Meanwhile, if you prefer using hawk nets for added peace of mind and maximum protection, we recommend exploring the bird net products available at Harvesto Farming. Our high-quality and reliable nets are designed to provide superior coverage and ensure the safety of your flock.