How to Keep Hawks Away In Your Property

Simple strategies like employing visual deterrents can be effective in keeping hawks away. Below are some visual deterrents you can use as you learn how to get rid of hawks.

Shiny Objects

Hawks are visually oriented predators and are deterred by bright flashes of light. Hanging objects like old DVDs, CDs, or reflective tape may help to keep them at bay and protect your chickens.

These materials reflect light and create flashes of movement and brightness as they sway in the wind. These “movements” can confuse and startle them, making them hesitant to approach the area. To use this deterrent, you can hang these objects on nearby trees, ensuring they catch the sunlight or any other light source for maximum effect.

Scarecrows 

Hang scarecrows as deterrents to hawks. They have been set up by humans for centuries to keep hawks and other birds away from crucial assets like chickens and crops. The scarecrow is made from old clothing filled with straw or other materials to imitate a human figure and is placed at a prominent point.

Even though they do not move or make noise, their presence is a threat and can deter hawks. Consider moving the scarecrows occasionally to give the illusion of a live presence. This tactic will enhance the effectiveness of a scarecrow and prevent hawks from becoming accustomed to its existence.

Is there an animal on your land? If not, think about purchasing one. Two of the most popular animals used to protect other animals and crops from predators are dogs and roosters. You may be surprised how much German Shepherds and other canines can contribute to the safety of your hens and other birds. They will defend your flock in times of danger if trained properly. They will bark and chase objects.

Large creatures like alpacas or donkeys can also act as protectors. Even the most vicious predators are afraid of them. Hawks are frightened off by their very appearance. These birds are less inclined to visit your property when they see these guardian animals around.

Although hawks may be accustomed to loud noises, using specific sounds to frighten them from your home may still be effective.

Predatory Sounds

Hawks are territorial, like most avian predators. They will be less attracted to your property if they believe another predator is nearby. Any approaching hawks will be alerted to danger using pre-recorded predator cries of coyotes, foxes, or larger birds of prey.

Other Unexpected Loud Noises

Since hawks dislike being taken by surprise, creating a scene is not a terrible idea if you spot one nearby. Yelling and loud hand clapping will frighten and perhaps scare away a hawk trying to attack your chicks. You can also successfully drive them away by pounding pots and pans. 

Noise-Making Devices 

These gadgets are designed to make loud, unexpected noises that frighten and startle hawks. Common noise-makers include air horns, wind chimes, or motion-activated gadgets that emit loud sounds when a hawk is around.

Undoubtedly, hawks may become suspicious of areas with these sounds and alter their hunting habits. They will look for prey in more peaceful areas. Do remember to exercise caution when using these devices. Some places may have noise limitations, so you must consider your neighbors and municipal laws.  

Installing automatic predator sprinklers on your lawn, gardens, or close to your coop area is a good idea because hawks tend to avoid wetter regions. This motion-activated sprinkler system works when it detects motion and sprays water, startling an attacking hawk and discouraging it from targeting your hens.

Thanks to the motion-activation feature, it only turns on when necessary, reducing false triggers and saving water. Additionally, these predator sprinklers can effectively and humanely shield your hens from aerial predators and other dangers. 

If your bird feeders are why hawks are drawn to your yard, changing the bird feeder can sometimes be enough to keep hawks away. Try the following:

• Remove: While you develop alternative tactics, remove your feeder for a week or two to force the birds to relocate to new hunting locations.
• Readjust: To make it more difficult for circling hawks to view the feeder, move it to a covered area beneath a tree, deck, or awning.
• Modify: Purchase a cage shield for your homemade birdhouse, or buy one with this addition. Hawks cannot reach the small birds within the cage feeding on the seeds.

Although scattering seeds on the lawn is enough to entice birds, there are reasons why it is a bad idea. Ground-grazing birds are preyed upon by hawks. These prey have fewer hiding places in an open space.

Furthermore, these scattered seeds may attract rodents such as mice and rats into your yard, creating additional food supply for hawks and other predators, putting the very birds you are trying to save at risk. A better means of avoiding rodent problems while keeping birds safe is using raised bird feeders.

From birds and rodents to snakes, frogs, bats, lizards, and rabbits, hawks hunt a wide range of small animals. While these animals are a natural part of the food chain, an excessive number attract hawks to your property.

By managing the populations of these animals, you reduce the amount of food available, preventing these predatory birds from visiting your yard. Similarly, although these animals may appear innocuous, they can cause damage to your garden. Your yard will remain balanced, healthy, and hawk-free if you manage the population of these animals.

A hawk uses your yard's branches, fence, or roof as hunting vantage points if it often rests there. Removing these convenient perching spots from overhanging branches makes your yard less attractive and discourages the hawks from visiting.

Anti-perching devices, such as sheet metal cones, can be attached to roof edges or fences to stop the hawk from landing comfortably. Adding a wire topper to wooden fences makes the surface uneven, discouraging hawks from perching. These precautions decrease hawk activity in your yard and protect birds and small animals.

Hawk-proofing your coop and making it more difficult, if not impossible, for hawks to enter is the best method to keep them away from your chickens, even though deterrents may help. 

1. Watch Out for the Hawks

You must keep an eye on your flocks, such as hens out in the open, to ensure their safety. Hawks are expert predators, and being vigilant guarantees you respond quickly to any dangers. Having a safe outside area within your line of sight makes it easy to keep an eye on your flock. If a hawk is approaching, the chickens can swiftly hide in areas with overhead netting or close-by cover, like trees, shrubs, or coops, in case a hawk comes.

Also, be aware of the times when hawks are most active. They usually hunt for food from early morning to late afternoon. Your flock is more vulnerable during these periods. Therefore, you should concentrate on keeping an eye on your flock during these periods to lower the chance of hawk attacks. 

2. Cover your Coop and Run

Now is the time to do this if you have not already. Hawks will continue threatening your hens if your coop and run are unguarded and available for slaughter. It might seem like a lot of extra labor, but your chickens' lives are at stake.  Let's examine some of the strategies for "covering" your coop.

Roofing

The size of your coop and run will determine whether this option is viable. Assemble a solid roof atop your run or coop (as applicable) with metal, heavyweight plastic, or wood to protect your hens from above. This, however, might not be the best strategy if you wish to give your hens sun and fresh air.

Hawk Netting

Hawk nets are a unique kind of mesh net. Since hawks and other birds attack from above, poultry breeders use it to safeguard their chickens. Use this netting to cover the chicken space like a roof or to create a wall around it.

The appearance of this netting from above can deter hawks and other predators. Ensure you use netting with a mesh small enough to prevent a hawk from reaching through. This method of deterring hawks is economical, quick to install, and effective. It also offers a longer-lasting solution than other bird control techniques.

3. Provide Hiding Spaces

Even though a well-kept yard with tidy flower beds and a manicured lawn may elevate the aesthetics of your property, it provides minimal protection against predators like hawks. Birds need holes, shades, nooks, and crevices to hide from hawks or other predators. 

You can naturalize birds in your yard by planting trees and shrubs or building brush piles. It would be better if feeders were placed next to such safe areas, which allow birds to exit in case of danger, like a hawk swooping into the area. This technique adds a bit of natural charm to your landscape while making your yard more safe and welcoming for birds.

You could also move your coop to an area shaded by trees to keep hawks from gaining a "bird's eye" view of your coop and scouting out your hens.

4. Add an Overhang to the Coop Roof

Installing an overhang is a fairly simple way to make it difficult for hawks to hunt your chicken. If your coop is not completely covered, think about leaving at least an overhang.

A hawk that prefers to rest on the coop roof will find it more difficult to have a clear view of your chickens with a small overhang in the way. The birds may have less visibility from above if your hens congregate outside the coop door and beneath the overhang, making them less inclined to leap in and attack.

5. Use a Mobile Coop

Consider acquiring a mobile coop for your chickens if you want something robust that efficiently keeps hawks away from your flock. A mobile coop:

Can Change Coop Locations

These coops are movable and can be moved to different sites. If your chickens are out in the open and at risk of being attacked, this might be useful. To keep your coop out of the way of hawks that hunt, move it closer to the house or beneath a tree. 

Is Sturdy 

Typically, mobile coops are made of strong materials and have a predator-proof design. Strong mesh, doors and reinforced walls will prevent hawks and other predators from entering the coop.

Allows You to Keep a Careful Eye on Your Chickens

This coop can be placed near the house and closely watched because it is often smaller and designed for smaller flocks of hens. A mobile coop's size will also enable you to spot compromised netting or fences and stolen chickens more easily.

6. Keep a Rooster Close By

A rooster could be a simple way to keep these raptors away from your flock. As the flock's "king," the rooster feels obligated to defend the ladies. These kings are an easy approach to keep hawks away from chickens.

Warns His Hens of Impending Danger

Apart from waking you up in the morning with his cock-a-doodles, a rooster uses his loud voice to alert the flock to danger. These male chickens are renowned for having unique alarm calls that warn the flock of danger. When he detects danger, he will use these calls to tell all of the girls to seek cover.

Defends Aggressively

Roosters are not all bark and no bite; they can physically defend the flock in times of trouble. If an intruder is lurking nearby or breaks into the coop, the rooster may puff up his chest, spread his wings, and charge the intruding animal. These courageous birds may be a lifesaver for your hens.

7. Add a Black Chicken to the Flock

Black chickens that mostly look like crows to the hawks can be an omen to these birds. Hawks are preyed upon by crows, albeit in larger groups.

The presence of a black chicken in a flock may discourage a hawk from approaching your chickens because the two birds don't exactly get along. This is a novel strategy, so it isn't exactly a proven approach. It wouldn't hurt trying, though, now would it? 

8. Cover Up Feeders

Since hawks are aware that chickens are particularly vulnerable when they are eating, many hawk species target feeders. When chickens feed and drink, they lower their heads and their defenses. Additionally, they are frequently huddled together, making it difficult for several targets to make a swift getaway because they are ensnared in the mob. An astute hawk hovers near a feeder, waiting for the ideal moment to attack.

The chickens are safe if their run is covered with a sturdy cover. Construct a feeding station and relocate feeders and waterers inside this enclosure for runs that are not covered. When the hens are not eating, they can hide from hawks in covered feeding structures. You might even put them inside your coop if you have a hygienic spot there.