I agree with one of the posters above, saying if there is a normal (not old and lazy) neighbor dog roaming about, then losses double or triple. We have 2 neighbor boxers, who don't kill but love the sport. Last year they chased off 2 chickens who never returned.
Hawks and eagles are concerns only when there is little to no foliage (early spring and late fall)- that's where I lost one this year. Otherwise the birds seem to watch for shadows and hide when they pass over. And having a Rooster really helps too, as they watch over their flock.
If you can get a dog who protects the property (and doesn't go after your birds), then you have pretty good ground protection and could go some time without a loss.
Hawks and eagles are concerns only when there is little to no foliage (early spring and late fall)- that's where I lost one this year. Otherwise the birds seem to watch for shadows and hide when they pass over. And having a Rooster really helps too, as they watch over their flock.
If you can get a dog who protects the property (and doesn't go after your birds), then you have pretty good ground protection and could go some time without a loss.
