Yorkies and the great horned owl

[paige pruitt]

Hi All.

I'm hoping someone can give me a good suggestion on our situation. A 2' tall great horned owl has begun roosting in the neighbors tree. My vet tells me the owl has probably already eyed my Boomerang and possibly any other small pet. Does anyone know how to get rid of this predator? We are afraid to go out unless on a leash and had to close the doggie door.

Help!!! Paige and Boomerang

[Sloan]

Oh my gosh, I had a hawk circling above my pups this morning. My little guy is only 2.4 lbs. I immediately scooped them both up and came inside. Argh! Just one more thing to worry about! I'm not sure what can be done to get rid of a Great Horned Owl....aren't those endangered? I think you are just going to have to be very careful and watch them all the time and it is best to keep them on leash. Such a bummer, I know.

[NANCYETTA]

We Have The Same Problem Here, And We Used Fake Snakes, Even Moved Them Around When The Bird Was Gone. It Worked For Us But We Still Watch Our Dogs All The Time...good Luck

[bchgirl]

Is your yorkie allowed out at night? That's when great horned owls hunt. It's also highly likely you have two owls out there. A male and a female. Typically a mated breed stay in the same area together. He will call first...then listen...she'll call back. There is a difference in the tone between the two sexes.

We had a pair that lived right by my house for years. I actually liked watching and listening to them and read a lot about them.

One use to perch in a dead tree at the river's edge next door...when the neighbor had the tree removed...is when the owls moved on.

[bchgirl]

Originally Posted by Sloan

Oh my gosh, I had a hawk circling above my pups this morning. My little guy is only 2.4 lbs. I immediately scooped them both up and came inside. Argh! Just one more thing to worry about! I'm not sure what can be done to get rid of a Great Horned Owl....aren't those endangered? I think you are just going to have to be very careful and watch them all the time and it is best to keep them on leash. Such a bummer, I know.

The hawk is more of a threat to the dogs. They hunt during the day.

[yorkieusa]

Many years ago someone I know lost two smallish dogs to an owl on the same night.

[mscat]

Yes, you no doubt, have more then one owl. Especially if they are nesting in the tree. I have the same problem too. Every summer they come out . remember that an owl could still attack enven if your baby is on a leash.
I do not take my Suzi out at night, for long anymore. I have noticed when the weather changes the owls move on. I you ever see them circling then get your baby inside fast ! That is what they do when they spot prey. Also, make sure the owl is not flying low .

[Catrina]

at nighttime i hear owls hooing sooo loud on the trees... i was wondering could they REALLY swoop up princess?? shes almost 5 lbs so shes not tiny.. btw i never let her out herself at night.. but just curious

[bchgirl]

It really depends on what type owl you have there. A great horned owl eats rabbits. Rabbits are easily 3 - 5 pounds. I'd keep her close outside at night.

My husband and I saw a hawk swoop down and grab an adult mallard duck feeding in our backyard one time. That duck was easily the same size as my dogs.

[paige pruitt]

From what I've read they will prey on something 2-3 times their own size. They are not endangered but they are protected. This scares the heck out of me. I've called game & fish and they will do nothing! I bet if my Yorkie was preying on their owl they would be quick to do something...
I haven't seen a 2nd owl but will start looking.

[JesStang]

My only advice is to look-up online as to how to get rid of them. Until then, keep a close eye on your baby and those owls!

My Yorkie is 8lbs so we don't worry about him but we have a 4lb Chihuahua that we have to keep an eye on... hawks like them!

[SweetPea53]

I caught a glimps of either a hawk or owl (have both in my area) swooping down in my back patio by my patio cover a few weeks ago....luckily my lil one (she is 7.5 lbs) was indoors at the time....I posted this and found out that they will even go underneath a patio cover to get there prey....I don't let my baby out now unless I am right with her....

[izzierj]

I also heard they can take them with the leash....When it's starting to get dark, they (we have 3 5 pounders) they are only allowed out the back door into the xpen that I have extended to 12 pieces ...It's under the roof that hangs over about 10 feet and 2 walls , so I feel ok when it's dark and the door is kept open..Of, course we only go out if necessary and immediately go back in....The whole yard is lit and we have 6 foot walls around too. (but coyotes can climb them too) They aren't even allowed outside in the daytime alone...I also have a shaker filled with coins that I hold because I think wild animals are afraid of noise (?) I am always looking up and around in this state... I did see 2 owls (whatever kind?) on the house behind us at 7 am about 2 yrs ago, after that, no more freedom...My luck all 3 would run in different directions and I would go crazy !!! This is somewhat of a contolled enviroment !?
PS someone told me to soak rags in amonia (spelling?) and put them around the yard to cover their scent ?! or moth balls too...??????

[paige pruitt]

What part of Arizona are you in? We live in a very residential neighborhood in Phoenix, near 40th Street & Greenway. I guess I would expect a problem like this if I lived out in a more desert environment. Never a dull moment is there...

[mypreciouspups]

I am glad this thread was made,... it made my hubby listen to me better.. I live in the city.. but at night I do not feel we have enough lighting.. but he thinks I am nuts.. anne