Hawks, Flocks, and Small Dogs

[BitterSweetCitrus]

Our family has a flock, we currently let our 5 Week old chicks run around in a metal pen while the girls free range. We have plenty of vultures the fly around our house, but usually not many hawks or other Ariel predators. About 7 days ago we had a hawk (I think a Red Shouldered Hawk) try to go for our chicks. Ever since we’ve kept our girls and chicks locked up unless we are out there. The only exception is when we let out our oldest girls and our small dog is out. My mom is convinced that our small Maltese Shih Tzu mix is going to repel and scare off predatory birds. To me it’s extremely odd that she thinks so, and it’s unfair to our dog. Can anyone give me feed back on this? Am I crazy, or is my mom wrong and if so, what else can we do about the hawks (we have reflective tape).

 

[Miss Lydia]

I’ve heard of Red Tails picking off small dogs. Not sure it’s true but maybe someone on here knows.

 

[Folly's place]

I'd fear for my small dog too! Just keep those birds on lockdown for two weeks or so, and be out there with this little dog. Coyotes take little dogs too, during the day sometimes.
Mary