HOW TO STOP AERIAL PREDATORS - Save Your Chickens!

[@cherylkovalik1983]

We have fishing line crisscrossed all across the top of our large chicken run, planted lots of fast-growing trees around for coverage, all of their houses have the doors propped open during the day, and we made teepees out of pallets to give the girls extra places to run under when a predator is circling. I have watched our ducks & chickens and they are very aerial savvy; I think each new generation teaches the next what to do.

[@BIGALTX]

The pallet Teepee is a great idea... thanks!

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

Fishing line works for 2 families I know…15 lb or more fishing line

[@hbrws813]

I used fishing line, and it stopped the hawks AND a bobcat!!

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

I have 4 wagon homes They rest underneath and feather bathe.

[@learnjcbskidsterchickensga7594]

Also I have 3 hens that look like hawks, ask me how I know!! Lol

[@paradiseacres9724]

This is MUCH easier than the 100x100 bird netting I put up on 10 foot 4x4's throughout the yard. I would rather shoot myself in the foot than to fight with that bird netting again!! I heard my chickens raising a ruckus the other morning and I looked quick enough to see a HUGE hawk in the netting before it flew off. Made my struggle worthwhile for sure!

[@BIGALTX]

I absolutely HATE bird netting... such a mess trying to put up Hope this works when winter comes and other game is scarce

[@joannc147]

Wow! When it works, it really works!

[@Jayce954]

Brilliant Video Sir, what You can also do to maximize the effects of those decoys is play Great Horned Owl and Crow Calls from a Loud Speaker.

[@BIGALTX]

Cool idea! I’ll check into that. Thanks 👍🏻 😊

[@arthurvandelay7677]

We used to "pay" crows with eggs to hang around our yard. They still come around frequently. We also use 50 lb. test fishing line over the run with small aluminum pie plates hanging at intervals from it.

[@BIGALTX]

I've GOT to do that!! Thanks

[@TheCajunHomestead]

Great info. I have had good luck in the past with my chicken yards with 90# monofilament fishing line with cd disc attached to it about every 5 to 10 feet running across the top fence post across the yard to another fence post. Also now I use electric fence all the way around my outside perimeter of my chicken fence. Also my Great Dane/Great Pyrenees Guardian Dogs kennel is right up against my chicken coop/pen.

[@BIGALTX]

All are great tips! Thanks

[@noroomforgloom]

Deer fence from Tractor Supply placed over chain link. Has worked for me. Has stopped black snakes as well. Thanks for your fun video.

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know, thanks!

[@dovely9279]

Very interesting. I enclosed mine on top with rat wire. I had at least 4 eagles circling and watching this year plus hawks. 😬

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... they are definitely out there... waiting for us to slip up

[@dovely9279]

@@BIGALTX Something has happened to my big bunch of crows. I had so many of them and Bluejays, but few Bluejays this year and no crows. However, I've caught 4 pairs of cardinals at once when I'm usually lucky to see a pair. News stations to the south of me out of Winston-Salem, NC, reported large amounts of Bluejays and crows suddenly being found dead, but don't know why. I never found any dead, but they are noticeably missing. Maybe they did keep the predators away.

[@BIGALTX]

@@dovely9279 Wow... that's so unusual

[@lelandshanks3590]

Good info Alan, we will try it. 6 of our hens are red.

[@BIGALTX]

Hahaha.. love them redheads Let me know how it works!

[@johnfitbyfaithnet]

Thank you for sharing this important information listening from Bangs Texas

[@BIGALTX]

Glad it was helpful!

[@737smartin]

Appreciate the video and your AMAZING affinity for reading these comments. Please share a 'one year later update. ' Thanks from Lake Travis, TX. 🤘

[@BIGALTX]

Sure. Bottom line, I believe these deterrents work, but nothing is foolproof. I still had a hawk problem, but only sporadic.

[@737smartin]

@@BIGALTX Thanks!

[@goobershead]

Thank you. I like the scripture, God bless.

[@BIGALTX]

You are very welcome

[@Angela4heavenssake]

I have a variety of hens. I’ve lost 3 black ones to a hawk. I believe, given enough time to assess, the hawks eventually figure out the dark ones are chickens. Anyway, thanks for sharing about the crow. I’m definitely going to try that out in my pasture, since I free range.

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know about the black ones disappearing :( thanks

[@Angela4heavenssake]

@@BIGALTX Being that I’m on the gulf coast of Texas, it could be that a ton of them stop here after their migration and hang out in my pasture. I know you’re east Texas, but further north??

[@BIGALTX]

@@Angela4heavenssake LOTS further north. Smith co

[@Angela4heavenssake]

@@BIGALTX I love it up there! Beautiful country.

[@ironrose888]

Thank you for the video. I have barred rock chickens and dark colored ducks. My birds are safe so far.

[@BIGALTX]

That's great!

[@whoknowswho7494]

I like you. You care about your girls. I have 5 redheads (we call them gingers in Ireland) and no trees around. I'm gonna put up some owls!! Thanks so much.

[@BIGALTX]

You bet. Thanks for watching And... Greetings from Texas!! 😎

[@nancyfahey7518]

I had a momma hawk, and she was big, take my barred rock one by one over the summer. I have no more problem. I got some "mutts" for chickens, figured it wouldn't upset me so much if the hawk got them, and they turned out so cute that I gave them my greenhouse. When they are old enought to go out I will make sure I'm out there with them.

[@BIGALTX]

I'll have to watch this winter when they get "hungrier" than they are right now Thanks for sharing!

[@nancyfahey7518]

@@BIGALTX she was feeding 2 babies. That's why I didn't dispose of her.

[@1976kinggoldenflair]

My brother's red chickens all killed by Hawk's/Horned Owl. He bought those Black Australian Chickens from Tractor Supply. They are close to a year old now. Hawks sit up in the trees but leave them alone. His chickens' free range in the open field etc. None lost as of yet. Our biggest problem might be feral dogs or coyotes. These Australian Chickens get big and are top of the line egg layers.

[@BIGALTX]

Great news! Thanks

[@terrywereb7639]

I had a Chesapeake Bay Retriever that was an excellent guardian. The resident hawk would sit on the utility pole and sulk as the dog looked up and growled at him. My free range birds would stay within the dogs sight

[@BIGALTX]

THAT's a good dog! 👍

[@terrywereb7639]

@@BIGALTX Chesapeakes were developed to defend the owners duck blind overnight, no people to " check in" with. It did prove beneficial. The only predator the dog missed ...a mink getting one of my mini Rex rabbits and her litter. I think the problem there was my brother not recognizing the bark, as I was not home. In 4 years, that was the only predator loss I had.

[@VaxtorT]

An addition of Guinea Fowl will also help prevent aerial predation. They are an early alert system for one. Two, they will fly straight up and confront the hawk in the air and drive them off.

[@Growmap]

That may work for hawks, but guineas are hard to get back into coops. Eventually, one will roost in a tree or on the roof. And then another and another until they're almost all staying out. Then an owl will start picking them off at night. A large group of guineas does much better than having a few. I don't know if that would help a lot against an owl, though.

[@BIGALTX]

Hmmmm... interesting, thanks!

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the tips!

[@VaxtorT]

@@Growmap Yes, they do despise being cooped up. I've never had any trouble with owls, however, here in Northern Maine. Though we do have plenty of owls.

[@Growmap]

@@VaxtorT Lucky you. They are my most troublesome predator here (or were until I started locking my ducks in at night). I live in the hickory-oak forest so maybe that is why. It says online that "in Maine they [Great Horned Owls] are typically found in coniferous forested areas".

[@springhollerfarm8668]

So far, for a couple months now, we have been free ranging ours with no predator issues. I let them out of their predator proof cage every morning and put them in every night. (Most days. If we are planning to not be home before dark, they stay in.) One predator got four roosters a couple weeks ago, he marinated them in the fridge a couple days and baked them in a covered dish, but there is nothing I can do about that one.😁 We have a lot of woods around and they seem to know to stay near or in them as I rarely see them in the open part of the yard. When I see a hawk circling, I get a couple bottle rockets to shoo them off.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... bottle rockets are a great idea, if it's not too dry

[@katinthehat_81]

I know that my hawks fear no noise. If you fire at them, they give zero shits. They don't even flinch. I'm struggling rn with hawks picking off my chicks.

[@joannc147]

I had 11 happy hens - hawks swooped down and grabbed a black one, a dark gray one and a light gray hen. There’s plenty of good open space for the hawks to hunt on my ‘hood and I was surprised they came to my wooded lot. I promptly crisscrossed some bright yellow paracord across the more open area. Seems to be working. Remaining 8 hens also seem to be a bit smarter now (includes 2 very light gray/blue hens). Sometimes I can’t even find the chickens! 🐓🐓🐓

[@BIGALTX]

I've GOT to do the paracord thing Others have said it works too

[@BIGALTX]

This is the methods I have implemented to STOP Aerial Predators from killing my chickens. I have several Hawks and even a pair of Bald Eagles that fly over my property. It's easy, not expensive, and it's working for ME! Here is the OWL I have: amzn.to/3RDnQj2 Here are some different styles of OWLS: amzn.to/3e7KWR9 Here's the CROW I have: amzn.to/3SE704U Here are several different types of CROW decoys: amzn.to/3RHmvYp alan Check out my Website. I've written dozens of articles pertaining to all areas of homesteading and self sufficiency. Here's the link: homesteadadvisor.com/ If you enjoyed this video and would like to see more videos like this. please give this video a thumbs up and leave me a comment! Please subscribe, it would really help my channel! Thank you for watching! ❤

[@juanbait9670]

The crow also doubles as a hot date for the rooster🤣

[@BIGALTX]

Hahaha... maybe a little stand offish :)

[@tambrasmith4199]

I’m gonna try the owl too

[@Maggie-Gardener-Maker]

I hope that keeps working for you. In past experience I found that the predators get wise to the decoys and start testing them out then realize it isn't real when they don't get attacked. I enjoy reading others comments on here too, I like hearing all the different experiences of everyone. The fishing line with cd mentioned in the comments is something I never heard of before.

[@BIGALTX]

I hope so too Several have commented about the fishing wire. I'm probably going to add that to my arsenal

[@Growmap]

It takes a really long time to put up. And it is a challenge to keep the spacing right. I did it like a checkerboard, but it slid around. And even though it was up AND I had put 4 flashing red lights for ground predators and 4 more in the air for flying predators, I still lost a duck to a Great Horned Owl. I once watched a video of a Great Horned Owl diving right through netting over a chicken yard. It seemed to not have any fear of not being able to get back out. And they had two big guardian dogs on that property that would run the owl off every time it landed or came down low and it just kept coming back. So don't waste money on a bunch of stuff - lock them up at night for sure or an owl will eventually find them. And once you lose one - either dead with just the neck eaten or the entire bird gone - the owl will be back. At least they only kill one at a time. I guess there is plenty small game for hawks to eat where I've lived. They sit up on the power poles right over the ducks foraging in a field and don't even bother with them.

[@BIGALTX]

@@Growmap Great tips... thanks!!

[@Noone-rt6pw]

String aluminum pans across the top! We had problems, it works! I forgot spaced like every five feet or so! Aluminum trays are cheap!

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the tips!

[@Noone-rt6pw]

@ Hope it works, where it worked with ours!

[@glenn6448]

I have a flock of black Abendroths. I also hang cd discs to dangle around the coop which is suppose to deter hawks with the flashing. So far this summer i havent lost any but i did see hawks fly close and away

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know they are flying AWAY!!

[@JacquelineJaroffaith]

I use a crow call when I see the sky attack. I bring in the crows they help me chasing them off.

[@BIGALTX]

Great idea!!!

[@JacquelineJaroffaith]

I have a group of Crows the makes their rounds. I put out corn once a week to let them know I appreciate them.

[@pamelapenick6871]

Wonder if a motion sensor strategically placed that emitted a crow call would be effective. Hmm...

[@hannahstraining7476]

This is interesting. Investigating products on Amazon, I saw lots of reviews for the fake owls that said they don't work, also some that said they do, but more said they don't. I've never heard of using fake crows, but it's easy enough to give it a try. I actually live in a city. I have small backyard which is home to 8 hens. I've been keeping chickens here for about 9 years and have never had an aerial attack--until a couple of weeks ago. One of my girls started alarm calling. I went out to check on them and saw a large hawk lift up. My smallest hen was torn to shreds. The others were all ok but they did not want to go outside for a good 2 weeks afterwards.

[@BIGALTX]

Nothing is foolproof, but everything helps I have lost some even with the owl, etc. I even had netting over the top and a hawk got in :(

[@barbarawilson8158]

I lost 2 solid black frizzle cochins and a black silkie to aerial predators. They were my favorites...

[@BIGALTX]

Ouch. Always hard to experience a loss... :(

[@nickchristensen2335]

Crows are bigger than most people think. They have big beaks and are carnivorous as well. I had a nesting pair come back every year and every day their would be 4 new Gila monster heads in the water bowl. Our laws are foolish if a kid was caught playing with a Gilamonster his parents could be fined $10,000 dollars! My neighbors were raided by swat because another neighbor said she saw the kids with one in a box.

[@BIGALTX]

THAT's crazy! 😱

[@pamelapenick6871]

South American crows are even bigger than ours. Their beaks are so big and strong they can punch through the metal lids of commercial trash cans. They are beautiful though.

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@BIGALTX]

Will do

[@jefflamoureux1010]

We had a hawk attack yesterday, It was on a barred rock. So far I have had 3. 2 black birds and 1 white. I will try the owl and crow idea. Crows are definite enemies.

[@nugsymalone1247]

I used to have a fake owl at my coop but it actually brought in more hawks. Some time later I ran into some old bird watchers up on a mountain and they used a fake owl to draw in coopers hawks. They said one time a hawk actually attacked the thing. They did so to get a better look at the birds. Figured wow, I'm making life worse for my hens. I found a scarecrow works kind of ok, as long as you move it around every so often. Other than that I try to attract crows, they chase em off

[@BIGALTX]

Sounds like a plan And thanks for the info about the decoys

[@treefellonya]

I was thinking like you - Why not attract the real thing? We have crows and black birds showing up frequently. I think I might study some YT videos on how to attract them and keep them around. My understanding is that they are hard to befriend, but when you do, you have a friend for life.

[@jeandunkleberger5761]

Maybe an owl painted black would deter them...

[@maren807]

Lost one of my ducks last week 😢. Thanks for your video! Just ordered 2 crows 😊

[@BIGALTX]

Oh no! Hope the crows help... 👍😎

[@fiestacranberry]

My dad always used to call white or light colored pigeons "hawk bait".

[@BIGALTX]

Hahaha

[@naturegirlmia]

I used the owls for a couple years. I have found to move the owls around every few days, them red-tails and coopers hawks get smart!!!

[@BIGALTX]

I thought I would have to move mine too, but so far..... so good

[@marcushennings9513]

Fake snakes helps also

[@willblair5231]

My chicken that was attacked was in fact a black chicken. But I will use your link for the owl. Thanks.

[@BIGALTX]

Nothing is foolproof, but I think it helps.

[@k.p.1139]

Morning Alan! I sent this link to Grandpa Adler Farms. I thought this might be some helpful info, for him for his girls.

[@BIGALTX]

Awesome thank you!

[@Ghidora9000]

Great info! Thanks for sharing.

[@BIGALTX]

Glad it was helpful!

[@tuckertruckerpatriot312]

Great Story BC24!

[@BIGALTX]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@HeaLaiPom]

I have barred rocks, buffs and arcaunas, I lost a barred rock last week to a hawk who found the smallest opening in the bird netting over my pen. Going to try the owl next, thanks.

[@BIGALTX]

Give it a shot... might be just the thing!

[@odomshomestead]

Thanks for the knowledge

[@BIGALTX]

You bet! 👍😎

[@RenaissanceThinking]

I had a great horned owl issue this summer with my free range chickens at the end of the summer. I thought he had moved on until this last cold snap. Looks like I will have to build a large fully enclosed area for the chickens and ducks.

[@BIGALTX]

Sorry to hear that

[@peweter2]

They will figure out the decoys. Been there done that. Only way to protect is a chicken wire top.

[@BIGALTX]

Many put fishing line over. Lots of comments here about that

[@cynthiadianecarey9902]

I have a fake owl and 2 fake ravens/ crows. I move them around , but probably not often enough. I don't think they help much, for me. I think very sturdy 1/2" or 1/4" steel hardware cloth mesh, or wood roof over the chickens or pigeons, is the best deterrent to hawks and eagles. My chicken yard is covered with welded steel deer fencing, with openings @1"x2", but it has been there for 10 years, and predator birds tore right through that, on multiple occasions, creating slightly larger spaces which they squeezed through and attacked my birds. I literally had to physically fight them off of my birds several times, until they found the slightly larger hole they had created in the fencing, and squeezed back out. They can be scary in hand to hand combat. I have downsized my run/yard area, and covered it with chain-link and plywood, which has been working against the predator birds, until I can afford more 1/2" hardware cloth. The sides of my run area are chain-link, partially covered with hardware mesh, heavy wire screening, and heavy duty shade cloth. There can be more predators in the suburbs than I thought.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... You're really having a battle!

[@cynthiadianecarey9902]

@@BIGALTX yup...

[@MsBizzyGurl]

Great job!

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the visit

[@neoanderson726]

you can make crow decoys with black trash bags or get those pink flamngos and paint them black I bought minet at the 1.25 store

[@BIGALTX]

Great tip. Thanks!

[@monana1711]

I lost two black chickens to a hawk in summer. Maybe the barred rock because they are black and white look more like shadows.

[@BIGALTX]

Could be. I just lost a barred rock to a big hawk a few weeks ago. I’ve got them pinned up now for safety.

[@graceburghard2094]

The decoys usually don’t last to long, they have worked for me for the Red tail hawks, but not the Falcon.

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know, thanks!

[@hbrws813]

We had two HUGE owls come in with the spring migration in 2018. Owls are silent, massacred our guineas and ducks (who were sleeping outside the coop), and got a few chickens who roosted near the door. Owls bite off the head, rip out the wings, and fly off with the torso -- no drag from the removed wings. The owls killed 3 beautiful red tailed hawks that had lived in our woods for years. Killed most of the squirrels. We lost 40+ ducks and 28 guineas, plus hens. I rebuilt roosts and made a spider web of monofilament fishing line across the top of the runs. No more problem with hawks, but did kill two possums and scare off a big bobcat and a coyote that came for chicken dinner every night.

[@BIGALTX]

I'm going to HAVE to do the fishing line thing... lots of folks commented here that do that successfully thanks!

[@truthseeker3967]

My standard poodle has been protecting my little flock of 7 reddish brown hens.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... never thought of a poodle as a guard animal :)

[@truthseeker3967]

@@BIGALTXyes, they are natural bird dogs and have a prey instinct. My dog loves to chase little animals- years ago she caught a goose at the lake and a duck- but she knows not to hurt the chickens. She enjoys watching them. and she wants to please me. Besides, she is very smart.

[@judyhowell7075]

I have fishing line across my run and they never fly in their. Also hang silver cup cake cups, reflection drives them crazy

[@BIGALTX]

Good tip! Someone else mentioned fishing line... nice tip!

[@orvinstrickler2130]

I put up CDs on fishing line. They blow around in the wind reflecting light all over the place, they keep the hawks away.

[@BIGALTX]

Nice! 👍😎

[@kulvindersinghvirk7521]

Does it works !?

[@orvinstrickler2130]

@@kulvindersinghvirk7521 yup

[@jimginnyohio]

We did lose a barred rock chicken from a red tailed hawk several years ago.

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know... winter will tell the tale

[@okieandy21]

Thank you!

[@BIGALTX]

Glad to help!

[@AncientSecretz]

Good info

[@BIGALTX]

Glad you think so!

[@barbaramayer5182]

First hen I lost was a barred rock. Then three black Polish chickens.

[@BIGALTX]

Ooops... maybe my hawks just don't like BRs 😎

[@farmyourbackyard2023]

Thank you.

[@BIGALTX]

👍😎

[@fordguyfordguy]

When you lost your black Orpington, did you have the owl and crow decoy out?

[@BIGALTX]

I don't think so. I just got them last year

[@Lvaladez114]

Decoy or Dummies work. I have Stanley he is my blue heron Decoy he watches over my fish pond. He does a great job he's been on duty for 5 years or so haven't lost any of my gold fish since he's been on duty. I had lost some koi prior. I'll need to add a crow for my girls never can have to many safe guards. Thanks for the video.

[@BIGALTX]

Hahaha.... tell Stanley "Good Job!" 👍😎

[@pamelapenick6871]

My sister has a life size metal crane in her pond. The neighorhood hawks have figured out its not real and she looses a fish from time to time. If the hawks wanted s free feast they should raid all the frogs she has that come out at night.

[@Lvaladez114]

@@pamelapenick6871 I have a choir at my pond too.

[@gingercox6468]

I have black and barred chickens. Orpington and Austrolope. Maybe hawks are color blind. If you have a nest of eagles it’s only time till you lose some chickens.

[@BIGALTX]

I haven't seen them since winter, so not sure if they are still there or not...

[@gregoryevinger6987]

I got an owl and 4 crows last year in December. I did lose some chickens in January including a full grown Buff Orpington rooster. It was good all summer until a couple weeks ago the hawks killed one. I lost 100 chickens last year between September and January so I am hoping that the migration from the North does not effect them this year.

[@BIGALTX]

100 chickens?!?!?! Wow... that's horrible How many do you raise?

[@fredsanford9224]

thanks

[@BIGALTX]

You're welcome!

[@BRICOLAJELISTO]

Buenas ideas me gusta mucho este método. Un saludo

[@BIGALTX]

Glad to help, thanks!

[@bethsuttonyoga2848]

I got black australorps for that reason. I've not had a problem since

[@BIGALTX]

Good to know!!

[@cindyjohnson5242]

We have native crows here that show up end of September same as the Red Tailed Hawks. They seem to co-exist fine, unfortunately. Haven't tried the owl yet. My female German Shepherd chased off a hawk the other day. Unfortunately she also goes after my chickens, ducks and Guineas. 😏 We free range in the day and coop at night so we lose lots of our birds to predators. Animal and human!

[@BIGALTX]

Losing livestock is the worst...

[@Growmap]

Interesting. Hawks never come near my ducks. I believe it is because there are always 2-4 crows around here.

[@cccgarden802]

On my drive to town (8 mins from my house) on two separate occasions, I saw multiple crows, multiple turkey vultures and 1 and 2 different bald eagles feast on roadkill (hog) all at the same time. It was so confusing to me.

[@BIGALTX]

I guess everybody’s got to eat 😊

[@marschlosser4540]

Crow or raven? Major difference between the two. Ravins can get huge, and in August and September, you'll see them hunting new born rattlers and copperheads.

[@BIGALTX]

I don't think we have ravens... but not sure

[@tonyd1149]

I have (sharp shinned) hawk comes & takes my cardinals (over winter). I need to try the crow decoy(s). Thank you for this video. Any other comments/advice much appreciated. Thank you much.

[@BIGALTX]

You are so welcome! Look at some of the comments on this video. Folks are giving great advice.

[@tonyd1149]

@@BIGALTX Thank you for the kindness of a reply. I will read through them again. Thank you. God[Bible] Bless.

[@keepinitsk8a516]

I once seen like 25 crows chasing and attacking a hawk, I haven’t seen that hawk since. He was around here for a few days before I saw that.

[@BIGALTX]

I saw crows chasing a huge eagle one day on my property. Unreal. That Eagle could’ve turned around and tore them up… But they just don’t. For some reason, they are scared of them.

[@mayorpufnstuf4470]

Same. I've seen a few incredible ariel battles. The crows seem more agile and have better endurance in flight. They can keep on flapping and turning whereas I think the hawks can't keep up since are more gliders. And the crows are just relentless. They don't let up and overwhelm the hawks with numbers. Love crows now. Chickens' best friends.

[@alansreviews]

@@mayorpufnstuf4470 Agreed !

[@samhaines829]

I lost one of my Barred Rock to a hawk. I used to let my Jersey Giants out and later started letting my BR out, but a hawk took one of them so while it may work in some instances it didn't in mine.

[@BIGALTX]

Sorry, but good to know, thanks!

[@barbaramayer5182]

How about foxes and coyotes ? We have both, and they can jump or climb right up fences. I need electric. But my chickens also free range.

[@BIGALTX]

I have an electric fence that comes on at night till dawn You need some netting for them to free range in

[@barbaramayer5182]

@@BIGALTX Thanks Tex

[@user-xb1ht4py2v]

I use a net over my pen. Can you tell us how the Predator got thru your net and what kind it was along with other details.?

[@BIGALTX]

Found a hole in the netting where the walkthrough gate was

[@antiowarr9467]

lol Not sure how it will work but I hope it do. A little story; my next door neighbour has 2 plastic Owls on his roof in different spots to keep the pigeons away, it don't work, I seen the pigeons cozy up behind the Owls to get out of the wind...lol lol Maybe the rotating head will spook them or maybe they may see the head spin and think it is a demon Owl hehehe As for the Crow I seen Hawks attack Crows and vise versa but it was 2 Crows and 1 hawk so for me it was 2 against 1... lol lol Now we wait mmmmmm, mmmmmmm, lol lol Cheers

[@BIGALTX]

I've had these up for about 7 months.. so far so good :)

[@angiebrewer9960]

The last hen I lost to a hawk was black…… a pair of red tail hawks went into the coop, where my girls run to be safe, and one of them was setting in the coop eating her. 🥴

[@BIGALTX]

Ouch... I need to keep my eyes UP

[@houseof2]

I was deer hunti on the edge of a big clear cut ,and there must have been more than 100 crows chasing a big bird that litt in a tall cypress about 50 yards from me and more crows joined in the fray this lasted several minutes and a bird skeleton fell to the ground and evert one flew of across the clear cut after the eagle all over him.The skeleton was picked clean no in testines left.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... must have been amazing to see Thanks for sharing

[@mm2093]

I though there was something to the black chicken thing - I had ten chickens for about 5yrs and a red one and a white one were picked off in that time - then in a two week time period 3 of my 4 black chickens were killed by a hawk - I have invested in some netting to try and stop it

[@BIGALTX]

Good luck Look under this video. Some of the comments are very informative about keeping hawks away

[@starhomesteadindia8999]

I got some aseel roosters, they took out two kestrels so far. Even hawks are terrified of my babies

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... good to know

[@starhomesteadindia8999]

@@BIGALTX you are welcome 😊

[@FeliciaKahnke]

I have just lost my second silkie to an arial predator. One black and one speckled. I wish it wasnt illegal to shoot the hawks that are hunting my chickens. Its heartbreaking to lose my docile chickens that rely on me to protect them. I will try the owl and crow combo. Thank you, i really hope this works. 🤞

[@BIGALTX]

So sorry. It's tough to lose animals :(

[@Growmap]

You might try the silver reflective predator tape. It snaps in the wind and flashes light across the sky. That makes it hard for birds to see their targets.

[@katinthehat_81]

I'm here to tell you, hawks do not care if you shoot at them. It's like they're aware you're going to miss. They dint even flinch. If you come after my food source on my land, I'm going to do what needs to be done, laws or not. It's never made a difference though

[@stevenphilips75]

I had lost a Barred Rock chicken to a hawk last winter.

[@BIGALTX]

Ouch... that hurts

[@ShortbusMooner]

I have big, fat Cinnamon Queens, and the neighborhood hawk settled for a squirrel instead..

[@BIGALTX]

Hahaha... hard to haul away the big ones!

[@starhomesteadindia8999]

Growing some guinea fowls can act as hawk alarms .

[@BIGALTX]

Nice!

[@dawnparsons1694]

You have to move the crow around...I have done this too, but not the owl...but I am getting 1 now..lol

[@BIGALTX]

👍😎

[@occamsrazor7939]

I didn't know that about crows. Do black chickens resemble black crows to the raptors?

[@BIGALTX]

I guess they do... seems to be a factor 👍

[@lelaandrews5439]

That's very true, our neighbors lost their white chickens, we have black only lost blonde ones to 🦊 and coyotes.

[@BIGALTX]

Thanks for the confirmation!!

[@user-qo8rl7ew5i]

The very large easteregger was a victim. Very dark head and I would think she blended well at that time. And this was new hawk my old hawk never bothered my chickens . I still have all my bright red chickens. It’s not a color preference it’s opportunity. My owl did nothing to help :(

[@BIGALTX]

Hmmmm... you might be right Thanks for sharing

[@backyardbirdies]

Does your Owl have the moving head? If not that might be the difference? I hope you figure something out!

[@user-qo8rl7ew5i]

@@backyardbirdies no it doesn’t. But I don’t think they’d be phased if it did. I had a hawk go after a dove 12inches off my porch recently. Last yr and this yr there’s an influx of hawks migrating here every spring. Two types. Osprey and a brown hawk. Osprey maybe hawk it’s white breasted with chocolate brown feathers over back and they’re nasty ! None of any bird species are safe whatever they are :( there’s probably 4 near my home so hens are stay in a small pen until we move then I can build bigger area

[@TxxRose]

I have coyotes, owls, and hawks.

[@BIGALTX]

I found that ground predators like coyotes are much easier to control than aerial predators. Hopefully, you can control them all! 👍🏻 😀

[@ScaryFear]

Thanks for the info. Shame about your rooster doing his job and getting killed in the line of duty. I'm building a coop now. My chickens haven't been out yet til it's done. They will free range. I can't believe I have a red shoulder already checking out the coop. They know what the buildings are! That's nuts. I have a video on my channel. It's the newest one called Progress On Coop Early Oct 2022. I've never had problems in the past but this year may be bad. I have an accidental rooster so hope he takes care of my hens. But I don't want to lose him. He's not the biggest rooster though. I'd say medium sized.

[@BIGALTX]

Nice coop build!!

[@ScaryFear]

@@BIGALTX Thank you. Here's hoping it will end well.

[@coziii.1829]

I have yet to have bird of pray come on my chickens . They have one acre To roam . But I have black chickens in my mix as well. Going on 5 years

[@BIGALTX]

Good for you I haven't had any problems since last winter 👍😎

[@ceciliabora8589]

I just lost a month-old barred rock to an owl - maybe just the hawks and eagles avoid the black chickens.

[@BIGALTX]

Maybe... not sure...

[@ericdowdy2362]

As far as the predation issue I can't say. But you can make friends with crows and they will watch over you. On the other hand, if you cross them they will seek revenge.

[@BIGALTX]

Hahaha... I've had a few like that too!! 👍😎

[@dantadaly5438]

I lost one of my older black chickens today from a hawk😔 i have three of her babys left though.

[@BIGALTX]

Ouch That’s terrible 😞

[@brandomarlin1981]

Owls are my nemesis

[@BIGALTX]

Hahaha... gotcha! 👍😎

[@melvinwagner3989]

I noticed a face made of shadows on the tree to the left of the coop/run. Weird that it just pops out once you see it. Then you can't unsee it.

[@BIGALTX]

👍😎

[@MalkiZee]

Our black Australorp is the only one that got attacked from above. It got away.

[@BIGALTX]

Wow... that's not expected :( But thanks for sharing

[@RNDanaGay]

The hawk always goes after my BCM first.

[@BIGALTX]

That’s a shame. Aerial predation is the hardest to try to prevent.

[@zalexia27]

crows are territorial and they call their cousins and their other cousins and those cousins and those cousins from another mother twice removed. i have seen it. i have an 8lb morkie they hunt relentlessly. i have had them come in arms length. she wont always stay 6 ' and its hard to not let her play. our neighbor feeds our squirrels and i think that brings them. they migrate atleast during the hot months in fl. i had ravens following us . i thought they were the third eye raven ravens. just turned out the hawks were hunting us and they were territorial. hawks also seem to hunt in tandem. yes i've seen it.

[@BIGALTX]

I have a lot of crows too. I used to chase them off, but now I keep them around to chase off the hawks :)

[@zalexia27]

@@BIGALTX i was hoping i was the third eye raven. i was just carrying a dinner plate

[@JRCHomesteadTexas]

We're going to need to free range our flock, at least 2-3 days a week. We have a pyrenees in the pasture not far from them that scares off day ground and aerial predators. That'll help. At night and when not free ranging, we have a secure coop and run. I think I'm going to pickup a owl and crow for extra security. Thanks for the information. Pray, Plan, Prep

[@BIGALTX]

Sounds like you're doing all you can for your livestock... keep it up!

[@loquat44-40]

Interesting about the crows. I have seen blue jays attack owls and IIRC crows will too. I have seen english sparrows and other smaller birds attacking crows. What I have read is that the larger bird has a longer turning radius and so the smaller bird can stay on their tail. If the crow flies straight it can out distance the smaller bird. I will remember about black chickens. In my area of northwest florida we have hawks, owls, osprey, bald eagles, and swallow-tailed kites. The bald eagles have attacked young lambs and farmers were getting large LGD dogs to protect them. My white english farm dogs get very upset about any large bird flying overhead. Can You Shoot a Hawk If It Is Attacking Chickens? Last Updated on: August 25, 2020 by Paul Hayes Firstly, it’s important to know that hawks have been protected in the United States under the Federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act since 1918. This means that it is illegal to hunt, trap, cage, shoot, poison, or kill them. Doing so can result in imprisonment and heavy fines.

[@BIGALTX]

Yep.. no shooting AT ALL! Thanks for sharing

[@truthseeker3967]

The gov't doesn't care about hawks or other wild animals- they just hate people and want to take away our chickens, land and everything else.

[@danthiesen4778]

Do you have a lot of crows in your area? There was another utub user that had followers that had mix fillings about black birds saving their flock and this user had a pretty good thought that if you don't have a lot of crows then black chickens might not work and if you do have a lot of crows in your area that black chicken might work. It's a thought

[@BIGALTX]

Yes, I have a lot of crows. And the predator birds hate them 😊

[@foxstarjen]

A bald eagle got my black Cayuga duck! 😕😞😢 I scared it off of her. But I had 2 put her 2 sleep bc of 2 much damage. 😭💔

[@BIGALTX]

That’s terrible. Eagles are hard to stop. Mainly because they can pick up a full grown chicken or duck. They’re just so big.

[@virginiaslim6188]

an owl got two of our chickens, and the one barred roc was the first one it got :P

[@BIGALTX]

Hmmm... Interesting Owls usually hunt at night Maybe since crows aren't out at night that might have made a difference... not sure