The term “chicken hawk” often raises questions about whether these birds truly prey on backyard poultry. This widely used phrase refers to several species of birds of prey, prompting curiosity about their actual dietary habits and potential threat to domestic chickens. Understanding their natural behavior clarifies this common query.
Understanding the Term “Chicken Hawk”
The term “chicken hawk” is a colloquialism, not a scientific classification, used in the United States to refer primarily to three North American hawk species: the Red-tailed Hawk, the Cooper’s Hawk, and the Sharp-shinned Hawk. This informal name historically led to their mislabeling as pests and unwarranted persecution. While any bird of prey might opportunistically target chickens, these species gained the “chicken hawk” reputation due to their presence near poultry.
The Actual Diet of Birds of Prey
The birds commonly called “chicken hawks” primarily consume a wide range of natural prey, with chickens typically not forming a significant portion of their diet. Red-tailed Hawks are generalist predators whose diet largely consists of small mammals like rodents, rabbits, voles, and squirrels, often making up to 85% of their intake. They also consume other birds, reptiles, amphibians, and insects, and scavenge on carrion. While a Red-tailed Hawk can opportunistically take a chicken, especially smaller or younger birds, it is not a preferred or common food source.
Cooper’s Hawks are primarily bird hunters, skillfully navigating dense cover to catch medium-sized birds such as robins, jays, doves, and starlings. Their diet also includes small mammals like chipmunks and squirrels, as well as reptiles, amphibians, fish, and insects. Although they can prey on domestic chickens, this occurs infrequently and is not a main part of their diet.
Safeguarding Your Flock
Protecting chickens from birds of prey involves implementing various preventative measures, given that raptors are legally protected and cannot be harmed. Providing adequate overhead cover is an effective strategy; this can include fully enclosing chicken runs with sturdy netting, such as chicken wire or hardware cloth, or installing shade cloth to deter aerial predators. Ensuring that coops have solid roofs and secure sides also creates a safe haven for the flock. Strategically placed hiding spots, such as bushes or other covered areas within the run, allow chickens to quickly seek shelter when a hawk is spotted.
Visual deterrents can also discourage hawks from approaching. Hanging reflective objects like old CDs, DVDs, aluminum foil strips, or special shiny tape creates bright, unpredictable flashes of light that can startle and confuse visually oriented raptors. Scarecrows or large owl decoys, if moved frequently to prevent habituation, can also create the illusion of a threat. Additionally, maintaining clear areas around the coop by cutting back tall grasses and bushes reduces cover for hawks to perch undetected.
Introducing guardian animals can provide an additional layer of protection. Roosters are known for their vigilance and will often make alarm calls and actively defend hens from perceived threats. Large, well-trained guardian dogs, such as Great Pyrenees, can effectively deter hawks simply by their presence, and some breeds have a natural instinct to protect livestock. Geese, being territorial and vocal, can also serve as effective alarm systems, alerting the flock and owners to overhead dangers. For optimal protection, it is advisable to combine several of these strategies to create a multi-faceted defense system for your poultry.