Hawks!

[Lucyana1129]

We just recently moved here to TN from San Diego. We lived in base housing in CA but here we live out in the country. I'm not used to seeing hawks so frequently. I don't know if it's just a time of the year thing or what but they are everywhere. They hang out in the trees surrounding our backyard. It's pretty scary bc Bentley is only 4.5lbs. I feel bad bc he never gets the opportunity to play outside like our bigger dogs do but Im terrified of those hawks. I even saw an owl hanging out in our front yard recently. Maybe I'm just so used to the city and overreacting. It's 20 degrees outside and I go out there with him every single time. Just a heads up for anyone in the Tipton county area, keep a close eye on your little one while outside. I see at least 5 a day!

[rubymoon2072]

smart move. i would watch him like a hawk around those varmits.

[lovespandp]

Yes please be careful. I live near Temecula Ca (Riverside Ca), my house is backed up on a hill- Beyond my fence is acres of land- I see hawks daily! They fly right over my head most of the time. They are always swarming above behind my house looking for anything to eat! Also watch out for those owls!! I hear them at night- luckily DH made Peanut a dog cage outside- it connects to the doggy door- DH also put a chain link on the top so nothing can go in there.

I read an article about Hawks and Owls. This guy studied them- he said be aware of hawks if you have a small dog, but be scared of owls if you have a small dog. Owls are far more dangerous than hawks. He said Hawks need enough room to swoop down, pick the prey up and fly up. Hawks will never take what they can’t finish. Hawks if in a tree or sitting somewhere you can see them and maybe get close to them, the hawk ( if you get close enough) will fly away. An owl is a different story, they will sit in a tree with you being right under them, then when giving the chance they will swoop down and grab their prey. They will take what they can get, and waste what they don’t eat. I’m not sure how accurate this guy is, but he sounded like he knew what he was talking about.

I will try to find that article- it was pretty interesting.

[MandiesMom]

Unfortunately, it's not the time of year. You are going to have this issue year round. I have hawks and owls. I moved into my current home in June..had them then..still have them just as bad now in January.

Can you set up a covered dog run outside for your pup? I can't because I have a larger dog that needs to run full force to get his exercise. I did hang aluminum pie plates around the yard from tree branches and Mandie always wears a bright orange vest when outside. The birds can see color and this orange was recommended. Putting some reflective tape on the vest is a good idea too.

With that said, I still never let Mandie outside alone and I'm always ALWAYS walking around the yard when she is out there...I'm never sitting. Always have my eyes on the treelines and skies. Sadly, this is our life if I want her to be able to play like she should be able to.

[Lucyana1129]

We also have a boxer. She needs the whole yard to run or she will be terrible inside. Hehe! Ill just have to keep going out with him. Great suggestion on the reflective vest! It's so cold right now that he goes out, does his thing, and wants to go back in. I just keep my boots, jacket and scarf by the back door It really is scary tho! The owl freaked me out most for sure! He was just sitting in the middle of our front yard. That day I came in and informed the entire household that Bentley was no longer allowed out without supervision.

[Maximo]

Please continue to be careful. Both hawks and owls are very dangerous.

Our neighbor's Yorkie weighs over 9 pounds and was attacked by a hawk last year. Thankfully, the dog survived, but he had to have a lot of surgery on his abdomen.

[celstu1]

We have hawks, but Ive never seen an owl around our house, they are there more than likely since DH's parents live 1 mile away and his Mom tells me how she LOVES listening to the owls at night. My babies were targeted by 2 hawks once when we were in the pool area. We could see them circling and hear them screaming... I was too worried to keep the dogs outside, so right as I told DH I wanted them inside, no sooner did he get Fletcher and I got Dex, they swooped down so low behind him, he ducked because he thought they were that close. We had to leave the poor dogs inside for at least 2 hours.

[normarae63]

I just want to mention that if you have hawks or owls around you also need to be on the lookout for their pellets as they contain undigested bones, fur & whatever else

[Lucyana1129]

Didn't even think about their pellets! Bentley doesn't tend to eat random things like that outside but out boxer...she eats everything. Thanks for the reminder! Ill be on the lookout for sure.

[nanahas3]

When we lived in the country we had both. The owls were more of an issue at night and can be doubly dangerous because you cannot see them flying in in the dark until its to late. We had one swoop down on Lolita once but thankfully she was coming down the steps and ducked and DH scooped her up in time. He didn't see the owl until it was right there. A hawk did this with Laddy when he was a tiny puppy also. These birds can be very scary.

[Verbena]

Hawks, eagles and owls are around all year round.

Here are a few things you can try to deter hawks and owls. First is mirrors facing straight up. Reflects light and also the get a glimpse of themselves. Second thing is owl or hawk sound being played outside when you see them. They might go away. Think they are Imposing on another's territory. The third is air horn or bike horn. But you do have to desensitize your dog against the sound.

Please remember though these raptors are beneficial to our Eco system . They keep down rats, mice and snakes. Especially in the country areas.

[lovespandp]

Originally Posted by Verbena

Hawks, eagles and owls are around all year round.

Here are a few things you can try to deter hawks and owls. First is mirrors facing straight up. Reflects light and also the get a glimpse of themselves. Second thing is owl or hawk sound being played outside when you see them. They might go away. Think they are Imposing on another's territory. The third is air horn or bike horn. But you do have to desensitize your dog against the sound.

Please remember though these raptors are beneficial to our Eco system . They keep down rats, mice and snakes. Especially in the country areas.

I love watching hawks. Every time I see one around my house I just sit there and watch them glide in the sky- They are beautiful birds. I love Eagles as well, but I don’t have any where I live, so I only get to watch Hawks and Falcons!

[LilAnnCamp]

There were 3 with their eyes on my babies yesterday. Makes me a nerves wreck.

[MandiesMom]

Originally Posted by Verbena

Please remember though these raptors are beneficial to our Eco system . They keep down rats, mice and snakes. Especially in the country areas.

Yes, they are very beneficial and very gorgeous to watch. I just wish they'd be beneficial and gorgeous over THERE ----------------->>

[Verbena]

Originally Posted by lovespandp

I love watching hawks. Every time I see one around my house I just sit there and watch them glide in the sky- They are beautiful birds. I love Eagles as well, but I don’t have any where I live, so I only get to watch Hawks and Falcons!

Originally Posted by MandiesMom

Yes, they are very beneficial and very gorgeous to watch. I just wish they'd be beneficial and gorgeous over THERE ----------------->>

I love raptors. I was suppose to get my falconry license before I got hurt. I live on a ridge with 48 acres of field infront of me. i love to watch them swoop down and get those squeakers aka mice ( not a fan) less that get in my house lol.

We have Eagles here. You do not see them a lot but when you do you know exactly what they are . . . . Amazing.