Birds of prey and small pets

[dogma]

Birds of prey will attack small dogs and other pets. If you put them outside without supervision they are at risk. I knew about this before this happened, but I came out and saw 5 hawks circling the yard I had my Chi's in. Once I saw a hawk making a low flight over my dogs on my deck. It was evaluating them as a meal. These birds are bold and will attack something very near you. Just because you are within sight doesn't scare them. I was about 20 feet from a Robin when a raptor swooped and attacked it. It landed between me and the robin, and waited for it to die.

[calgal]

I've never known one to actually come into a fenced yard, but one time me and two of my boys took our Boston up to the school grounds to let her run hard. A hawk did kind of dive bomb her but I think since she was about 20 pounds, the bird decided not to try, or maybe it was because of us yelling and running toward the dog. I would never suggest letting a small dog outside without supervision though. There are any number of wild animals that could do harm.

[Cassiepeia]

Wow , I'm glad I live in Australia.

Cass.

[poodlesmom]

This is such a danger that so many people don't even think about! Just a few days ago in a neighboring city a family had put their pug pup out in their fenced in back yard for a potty break and he was taken by a hawk.

[Swiftwind]

Wow, how scary! Cass, I'm glad I live in Australia too, and in the city!

[linnie]

i was going to say cas and swiftwind i had to guard my precious Chloe and Lucy and Emma from eagles. They would circle over our house. I never ever left them out without me being around.
Now as for Bella weeeeeelll she is darn heavy so he would have to be a big eagle but I still have the worry of snakes

[Doglover1988]

A hawk here has taken one of my 6 pound ducks a 2 pound chihuahua would be an easy snack for them. Keep your dogs safe.

[WolfRyder]

Dogs, cats, parrots and small children should never be allowed outside without supervision. Not even in pens(X-pens or play pens) or small cages (for parrots).

As humans encrouch on natural hunting grounds, the birds of prey still need to eat. I'll bet it's easier to nab a small dog rather than try to catch a field mouse.

Since the major construction has started across the way from us, the hawks and eagles are circling more and more over everyones' back yards. I've noticed and call it to the attention of my neighbors.

[honeygirl14]

thanks for the post! I'm moving into a house finally with a yard which back up to a greenbelt. I'm in Texas and I see many hawks out here so I will not let me 1.3 lb chi out of my sight for sure now.

[Beryl]

I appreciate this thread as well. I was concerned about raccoon season with my lil Pom several years ago and didn't think about flying predators. Now with my Toy Poodle, I was considering putting him out while I'm inside working from home.

I won't be doing that now.

[dogma]

I will add to this that raptors will carry off what is small enough, but will also wound something larger and wait for it to die. Then they start ripping flesh away. This could be their plan for a small dog that is too big to carry.

[Dogsareme]

When I was 7 we had our poodle taken by either an eagle or hawk. Then dropped in our neighbours yard. We are not sure if it's because maybe she was to heavy or she fought back. But what ever happened when she was dropped her neck broke and she died before we were able to get her to the vet. It's so sad how clearly I can remember that day...

[calgal]

Yes but Cass, don't you guys have all those poision snakes over there?

[Cassiepeia]

Originally Posted by calgal

Yes but Cass, don't you guys have all those poision snakes over there?

Yes but they (very) rarely turn up in a suburban backyard, so unless you're living in the country it's not a problem. Ticks are a bigger problem than snakes where I am.

Cass.

[Doglover1988]

If I had a one pound chi I would keep it on a leash. Hawks have taken 5 pound chickens off right next to me (2-3 feet away) and they were gone before I could blink.