Are you looking to hawk proof a chicken run or for how to keep free range chickens safe from hawks? Installing hawk netting has been the best solution I’ve found that can give you peace of mind and keep your chickens safe from hawk threats.
Living in Puerto Rico, where hawks pose a threat to my flock of backyard chickens, I chose to install the Predator Pee Hawk Stopper netting in my chicken run. In this post I’ll review why I opted for this product, its performance in deterring hawks, weather considerations, and additional precautions I take to deter hawks.
After you have finished reading this post, you will be able to determine if this type of hawk deterrent netting is right for you and your flock.
This post is my review of the Predator Pee Hawk Stopper Netting.
This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you purchase something through one of these Amazon links, I may receive a commission (and if so, thank you for the support!). The opinions expressed in this review are solely based on my personal experiences and observations as a small backyard chicken keeper. No product can be 100% predator proof and I encourage readers to conduct their own research and consider their individual circumstances before making any purchasing decisions. You can view my full private policy for more details.
Addressing Hawk Threats
When selecting the best type of hawk netting or hawk deterrents it’s best to do an assessment of your area. Do you frequently see hawks in your region? Have your neighbors had issues? Do your chickens have space to hide and get away or is their run more open.
In my area we have smaller hawks that typically go for small birds in the sky, however they are opportunistic and will could go for chickens. At the time when I first spotted a hawk circling above my chicken run, I only had 4 smaller Speckled Sussex pullets. Seeing as I had such a small flock and no rooster to alert them to take cover, I knew I had to implement something quickly to safeguard my ladies.
Even thought I now have a rooster, I would still opt to have the netting. My rooster is great at alerting the ladies of danger, however I like knowing they shouldn’t need to fight off any air predators.
It is important to note that no product is ever 100% predator proof. This type of hawk netting is to deter hawks visually. Their website states “This bird netting for chickens stops hawks and other predatory birds by taking advantage of their super-sharp eyesight. Chicken coop roof netting that looks almost invisible to us, looks like impenetrable iron bars to them!”
Selecting Hawk Netting for Chicken Run
There’s quite a few options out there when it comes to hawk netting. Some work as a physical barrier as they cover the top and come down to attach to the sides of your fencing. Then there’s netting that acts as a visual barrier. The Predator Pee Hawk Netting is a visual barrier to hawks.
Ultimately I ended up choosing the Predator Pee Hawk netting for a couple of reasons:
- Price: For a first time chicken keeper I wanted something that I could try out without spending a ton on. This net is low cost $, compared to other options that were much higher $$$.
- Weather Concerns: While I talk more about this below, I am not yet sure how hawk netting will hold up to hurricanes. I’d rather replace the lower cost netting versus a higher priced netting.
- Visual Aspect: I liked that this netting would blend in a bit better and yet would also be enough to deter hawks.
Hawk Netting Installation Tips
During the installation process, I encountered a few challenges that I want to highlight to ensure a hassle-free setup.
Measurements: It’s very important to measure the chicken run area accurately, considering any irregularities or changes in width. Underestimating this aspect left a significant gap at the end of my run, which required a makeshift solution using fishing wire.
Have Help: Enlisting the help of at least one other person is advisable, especially when navigating around trees and uneven terrain. This ensures proper tensioning and a secure installation.
Put those Chickens Away: I’d highly recommend installing the netting when the chickens are in a separate area to prevent entanglement issues. I didn’t remove my ladies when we first started installing and I had one get her foot caught. She panicked and tried to run and instead of running out of the netting she ran in! Thankfully I was able to scoop her up quickly as I was standing right there. After that I decided to put them into their coop for an early bedtime so that we could finish without anyone else becoming tangled.
Height of Netting: Originally I had planned to add some posts to the long side of the run opposite of the barn in order to match the height of the barn side. I ended up however attaching the netting to the fence (fence being about 5 feet tall) and then the barn beams on the other. I still plan on adding those taller posts as on the side it is connected to as it’s is low and harder to walk under.
The other big consideration here is that you need it high enough that your chickens won’t jump on top of it if it has openings on the sides. One morning I spotted my Blue Australorp, Shine, on top of the netting! Looking at the camera my poor girl was up there a while and couldn’t figure out how to get back down. It’s a miracle she stayed calm and didn’t get tangled up in the netting. Getting her off was also hard as she was in the middle of the run. I had to have help to cut into the netting and put myself through in order to grab her and get her down. I installed taller posts on the front of my run to add height to the area in which she was able to jump onto.
Severe Weather Considerations
Living here in Puerto Rico means being prepared for hurricane seasons. We are just now going into our hurricane season here, so I have yet to see how it will hold up to strong winds if we do get anything. At the moment my biggest issue is that the vines here keep trying to grow over top, which of course weights down the netting, especially when it rains.
Hawk Netting Effectiveness
So far the Predator Pee Hawk Stopper netting has proven effective in deterring hawks from targeting my chickens. Since installing the netting in October of 2022, my flock has roamed freely in their run without constant fear on my part for the need of constant supervision.
I have heard the screeches of hawks on multiple occasions while down at the chicken yard and watched as the hawks circled above. I have yet to see any hawks make any attempts at going after my chickens.
Additional Hawk Deterrent Measures
While waiting on the netting to arrive I implemented a few other hawk deterrent measures. Even after I installed the netting I left the CDs and Owls up just to enhance their protection.
- Hanging CDs: While I waited for the hawk netting to arrive I hung up some blank CDs around the chicken yard using fishing wire. I read from multiple chicken keepers that the reflective movements helps to discourage hawks from approaching.
- Fake Owls: Owls are enemies of hawks so if they suspect an owl is close by they won’t typically come near the area. Rotating the owl decoys’ location regularly helps maintain their effectiveness. I purchased this owl from amazon.
- Black Chickens: Do black chickens keep hawks away? This was something I happened to read from other chicken keepers – that once they added black chickens to their flock, the hawks stopped bothering their chickens. The thought is that the hawks think that the black chickens are actually crows and crows will actively chase and attack hawks.
It was only after I ordered my black Australorp chickens that I learned Puerto Rico doesn’t have crows. I kind of doubt that the hawks I personally have in my area would be deterred by a crow look-a-like if they have never experienced a crow chasing them. But either way, my black Australorp chickens are super sweet birds and they lay a lot of eggs!
Is this Hawk Netting Right for You?
If after reading through my experience and believe this netting would be a great way to protect your flock, you can purchase the Predator Pee Hawk Netting here.
Want to follow along for more chicken happenings with Butter the rooster and his ladies? Follow us on Instagram or subscribe on YouTube!
This post was all about the Predator Pee Hawk Netting and how by combining hawk netting with these supplemental deterrent measures, you can create a secure environment. Protecting your chickens from hawk attacks and ensuring their well-being.
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Hi there! I’m Jess, a backyard chicken keeper living on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico. With my flock of 15 friendly chickens, my mission is to help others feel confident about raising happy, healthy, and super friendly chickens. My dream is that everyone gets to know the love of a chicken and experience the joy they bring to your life.
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