Brad on Thu Aug 27, 2009 12:37 pmAll racing pigeon hobbyists have to deal with losses and attacks on their birds from time to time and depending on where you live, you might have a lot of problems with birds of prey or not many at all. However, it's a subject that that often comes up; "how do I keep hawks away"?
Well, the very basic and unfortunately disappointing answer is, you can't. There is no sure fire way to keep hawks away from your free flying pigeons no matter what you hear or are told. Hawks and falcons are superb hunters that have evolved over millions of years and are very savvy, intelligent and stealthy creatures. In most places in the world, it's illegal to trap, hunt or shoot these birds because they are protected species in their respective countries. Just because you may not like them or cringe at the thought of losing one of your prized pigeons, think about how you'd feel if someone was hunting, trapping or killing your pigeons while on a a race back to the loft! Just as you don't appreciate Mr. Hawk, there are plenty of people out there that don't like Mr. Pigeon.
Some ideas and things to try that by no means guarantee anything are:
1) Fly your birds at different times during the day. You don't want to create such a predictable routine that the hawks can figure out when you're going to release your birds for exercise. If they are watching your loft, chances are they will get used to a routine you get into with your birds. Even if it's only a hour's difference each day, rotate their flying times, make it unpredictable.
2) Make sure you train and fly your birds enough! If you don't keep your birds fit and in top shape by exercising them frequently, then hawks will have an easier time catching a sluggish, out-of-shape or overfed bird. Proper feeding regiments, good quality food, vitamins and tonics may also help your birds reach optimum health and vigor.
3) Train them to trap quickly. You want your birds either flying or in the loft... not hanging around on the lawn, on the roof or lazing about. A bird that is inside the loft or in the skies is safest!
4) This is a controversial and not very well proven idea, but attracting crows or other corvids to your home and area through feeding may help your birds. Crows and their kin HATE hawks with a passion. They will harass and drive these birds away at first sight. So, if you provide treats and food that these birds like, the theory is they will stick around and maybe build nests nearby so that they can act as sentinels for your pigeons.
Please remember though, there are no guarantees with any of these ideas or methods, nothing will truly prevent a bird of prey from eventually attacking or killing one of your pigeons. Eventually every pigeon racer will be face losses from hawk attacks but try to be smart and savvy about your approach to keeping your pigeons.
If anyone would like to add to this topic with ideas and other suggestions, please feel free.
Well, the very basic and unfortunately disappointing answer is, you can't. There is no sure fire way to keep hawks away from your free flying pigeons no matter what you hear or are told. Hawks and falcons are superb hunters that have evolved over millions of years and are very savvy, intelligent and stealthy creatures. In most places in the world, it's illegal to trap, hunt or shoot these birds because they are protected species in their respective countries. Just because you may not like them or cringe at the thought of losing one of your prized pigeons, think about how you'd feel if someone was hunting, trapping or killing your pigeons while on a a race back to the loft! Just as you don't appreciate Mr. Hawk, there are plenty of people out there that don't like Mr. Pigeon.
Some ideas and things to try that by no means guarantee anything are:
1) Fly your birds at different times during the day. You don't want to create such a predictable routine that the hawks can figure out when you're going to release your birds for exercise. If they are watching your loft, chances are they will get used to a routine you get into with your birds. Even if it's only a hour's difference each day, rotate their flying times, make it unpredictable.
2) Make sure you train and fly your birds enough! If you don't keep your birds fit and in top shape by exercising them frequently, then hawks will have an easier time catching a sluggish, out-of-shape or overfed bird. Proper feeding regiments, good quality food, vitamins and tonics may also help your birds reach optimum health and vigor.
3) Train them to trap quickly. You want your birds either flying or in the loft... not hanging around on the lawn, on the roof or lazing about. A bird that is inside the loft or in the skies is safest!
4) This is a controversial and not very well proven idea, but attracting crows or other corvids to your home and area through feeding may help your birds. Crows and their kin HATE hawks with a passion. They will harass and drive these birds away at first sight. So, if you provide treats and food that these birds like, the theory is they will stick around and maybe build nests nearby so that they can act as sentinels for your pigeons.
Please remember though, there are no guarantees with any of these ideas or methods, nothing will truly prevent a bird of prey from eventually attacking or killing one of your pigeons. Eventually every pigeon racer will be face losses from hawk attacks but try to be smart and savvy about your approach to keeping your pigeons.
If anyone would like to add to this topic with ideas and other suggestions, please feel free.
Very helpful!!
