Call Ducks and Hawks Or how do I hawk proof my yard.

I need some help. I have 4 call ducks -- 2 male and 2 females. About a month ago, I let the ducks out of their pen so they could swim in their pool, get some exercise and get some bugs. One of my ducks was attacked by a red-tailed hawk. I happened to go out just as the attack happened. The hawk did not kill the duck but badly wounded her. She had a ruptured air sac and a few puncture wounds. After 3 weeks of isolation, antibiotics and pain meds, she has rejoined the flock and is very happy again. But since the attack, I have not let the ducks out of their pen unless I am in the yard with them.

So my question is this, what can I do to hawk proof my back yard. I have tried the plastic owls. They have not worked. Does any one have any ideas?

Thanks.

Michael

Maybe you could make a "duck tractor", like a chicken tractor, but for your ducks? You could move it each day or every other day, and they could get their bugs and exercise. Is the pool you mentioned moveable? If it's small enough, you could put in inside the tractor as well.

Would an artificail owl keep away other preditors? I remember reading a thread about that. Someone bought an artificail owl and drilled eye holes and put christmas lights in it and put it out to ward off other preditors. The lights in the eyes made it look real. We have hawks up here in NY as well. I have an AKC kennel put up with chicken wire over the top to keep them away from my chickens. I am not sure if that is something you could do. It was a bit expensive as well. I had to buy two 10x10 kits at about 250$ each then bought a roll of chicken wire and a lot of zip ties. I also burried wire under ground. (I say I, I mean my DH) hehehe I wish you the best of luck.
Jeanmarie

You could always put shadecloth on the top of the pen.Our pen is open,but we are going to put shadecloth on it,just mostly from keeping the sun from beeming down on them.

Do you have a pond for your ducks? Or are you using a wading pool?