How to Keep Hawks Away From Chickens for Good

Protect your chickens from hawks with these 10 simple tips. Learn how to use secure runs, decoys, and natural deterrents to keep your flock safe.

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If you’ve ever spotted a hawk circling above your backyard flock, you know that sinking feeling all too well. These airborne predators—whether it’s a red-tailed hawk, Cooper’s hawk, or even a bald eagle—are always on the lookout for an easy meal.

Chickens, especially free-range ones, are like flashing neon signs for these hunters: easy prey and easy targets. But don’t stress—I’ve got some simple, practical tips to help you protect your flock and keep those pesky hawks at bay. Let’s turn your chicken yard into a no-fly zone!

Why Do Hawks Go After Chickens?

Hawks are master hunters with incredibly keen eyesight, always scanning for their next meal. They’re especially active in early spring when they have young to feed and are looking for easy targets. Free-range chickens with nowhere to hide are a perfect opportunity for a quick snack.

While you can’t harm or kill hawks in the United States because they’re protected by the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, there are plenty of clever ways to make your chickens less visible and far less accessible to these predatory birds.

10 Effective Ways to Keep Hawks Away from Your Chickens Forever

1. Secure That Run

A safe chicken run is your first line of defense against hawk attacks. Cover your run with chicken wire, hardware cloth, or even simple bird netting to create a physical barrier. If you want the best protection, go for orange netting—hawks can see the color orange very clearly and usually steer clear of it. This lightweight netting protects without cramping your chickens’ style and provides square feet of hawk protection without too much hassle.

2. Use a Chicken Tractor for Safe Free-Ranging

If you love letting your flock free-range but want to keep them safe, a chicken tractor is your best friend. It’s a portable coop you can move around the yard, giving your chickens plenty of room to enjoy fresh grass and bugs while staying protected from predators above. Fresh scenery and fresh food—what could be better?

3. Use Reflective Materials and Shiny Stuff

Hawks can’t stand shiny, flashing things! Hang up some old CDs or scare discs, aluminum pie plates, reflective wind spinners, scare tape, or pinwheels around your chicken yard. These items create bright flashes of light that disorient hawks, and the movement makes them think twice before swooping in.

4. Give Them Plenty of Places to Hide

Chickens need cover to feel secure from larger birds of prey. Plant tall trees, shrubs, and dense foliage around your chicken area to create natural hiding spots. You can also toss in some overturned wheelbarrows, wooden pallets, or small structures like a small coop. The more places they have to duck and cover, the less likely hawks will grab a quick lunch.

5. Keep Alert, Dark-Colored, and Fast Breeds

Certain chicken breeds are better at dodging hawks than others. Go for fast-moving, alert breeds that act a little wild—they’re less likely to get caught. Darker birds blend in better with their surroundings, while light-colored ones stick out like a sore thumb. Black chickens can also be a good hawk deterrent because they look like crows, which chase away hawks. And if you can get crows to nest nearby, even better—crows are fierce protectors of their nests and will keep hawks far, far away!

7. Enlist Some Livestock Guardian Animals

Livestock guardians like dogs, geese, ducks, guineafowl, or a good rooster are excellent at keeping hawks away. These animals are naturally alert and will sound the alarm at the first hint of danger. Keeping your chickens near larger animals—like goats, cows, or horses—is also a good idea; hawks don’t like diving near large creatures.

8. Set Up Some Decoys

Hawks are smart, but you can still fool them! Set up some decoys like a fake owl, scarecrows, inflatable tube men, or scare-eye balloons—those bright balls with big painted eyes—around your chicken yard. Move them every few days to keep the hawks guessing. Hawks are smart enough to catch on if things stay in the same spot too long, so mix it up!

6. Use Pyrotechnics—But Keep Them Guessing!

Hawks are clever and can get used to scare devices if you don’t change things up. Use a variety of audio scare devices like cracker shells, bird bangers, blanks, propane cannons, or even firecrackers to keep hawks on their toes. Vary the timing and location of these devices to keep hawks guessing; if you stick to a predictable pattern, they’ll learn to ignore the noise.

9. Build a Strong, Safe Chicken Coop

A secure, well-built chicken coop is the best way to protect your flock, keeping them safe day and night. Regularly check for any holes or gaps where predators could sneak through and lock it up tight every night. Consider installing motion-activated lights around the coop to spook away nocturnal predators. Don’t forget sturdy fencing around the coop—bury it a few inches underground to stop any digging critters!

10. Time Your Free-Ranging Right

Hawks are most active in the early morning and late afternoon. If possible, limit your chickens’ free-ranging to the middle of the day, or only let them out when you’re around to supervise. Hawks are much less likely to attack when a human is present. And if you do spot one, don’t be shy—grab an air horn or make some noise! Clap, shout, or even throw a rock to scare them away.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are hawks afraid of?

Hawks are generally afraid of anything that feels like a threat—larger birds like owls, crows, loud noises, flashing lights, and sudden movements. Using scare devices, reflective objects, and wind chimes can help keep them at bay.

What time of day are hawks most active?

Early morning and late afternoon are prime hunting times for hawks. Keeping your chickens in a covered area or supervising them during these periods can reduce the risk of hawk attacks.

What scent do hawks hate?

There’s no specific scent that hawks are known to hate, but they avoid areas where they sense potential predators or unnatural elements. Visual deterrents like shiny objects or loud noises usually work better than scents.

Does hanging CDs keep hawks away?

Absolutely! Hanging old CDs can be an easy, effective method to deter hawks. The bright flashes of light from the CDs can disorient hawks and make them think twice about swooping in.

What noises scare hawks?

Hawks are spooked by loud, sudden noises—things like air horns, wind chimes, or banging pots can send them flying away. Just be aware that they might get used to the noise over time, so switch it up occasionally to keep them guessing.

What is the hawk’s natural enemy?

Hawks have a few natural enemies, including larger birds like owls and eagles. Owls are particularly competitive over territory, so an owl decoy can work wonders in keeping hawks away.

Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Flock from Hawks

Hawks might be protected by federal law, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of options. With a few smart strategies—like building secure runs, adding natural cover, using shiny deterrents, and employing some livestock guardians—you can create a safe space for your flock. Keep those hawks guessing, and enjoy peace of mind knowing your backyard chickens can roam safely and happily.