Will a hawk go after a 4lbs dog that is kept in a 2nd story balcony?

Question

The balcony is pretty standard: it's covered and there's a 3ft high rail, but there is still a very large opening between the roof and rail that a hawk can certainly fit through. There are not many hawks in the area I live in, but I have noticed a particular red-tailed hawk circling the area the last few days.

Answer 1

Hawk's are more likely to attack mice, squirrels, and eat road kill before they will try to hunt. But honestly they are funny creatures and you will never know what they are capable of doing. I own one and also had a kitten and it never attack it so I don't think it would happen. It would resort to other thing then an animal that it thinks will possibly attack back. But if you still feel insecure I would suggest putting screening around the balcony. It's easy to put up and does no damage to the balcony.

Answer 2

Yes. Red-tailed hawks in particular are not averse to going after domestic animals if given the opportunity. One of my classmate's chihuahuas was picked up by a red-tail in full view of the owner. Another local resident's blue-fronted amazon parrot was picked off its outdoor perch 2 feet away from the owner.

Most red-tailed hawks prefer rabbits and rodents in the wild, but some hungry individuals will brazenly kill livestock and pets, just like some coyotes.

Perhaps you should get a sturdy dog crate for your pet rather than let it wander the covered balcony. Don't forget that raccoons can climb onto balconies too. Wish you well.

Answer 3

It isn't beyond their capabilities, that's for sure. On our farm, we've had hawks pick up cats, kittens and rabbits. You might want to think about some kind of wire netting over the balcony to protect your dog.

Answer 4

Thats not a good sign. Hawks can definitely take off with a four pound dog. Where i grew up, weve seen hawks fly right into a chicken pen and swoop them up. If they want something bad enough, they will get it. Please be careful.

Answer 5

there is a much higher change of the hawk attacking birds in the surrounding area.
they like to eat pigeons in suburban areas, and will go for them before a mammal
The like to eat budgies too as I have learnt on several ocassions when I have heard my birds screaming and have gone out to see a hawk on their cage and dead budgies at the bottom

Answer 6

I sure wouldn't trust it. I also would never trust a four pound dog unattended on any balcony. That is a recipe for disaster.