My dogs killed 5 of my Neighbors chickens!

[Chicken Slaver]

If you are asking for opinions..., I would pay them. You offered to pay and so you should 'own' that offer no matter the cost. No matter the circumstances of how your neighbor got their birds, or what you have done for them in he past, the fact is your dogs killed her chickens.

Not taking sides..., just my $.02.

 

[donrae]

Did those birds lay golden eggs or something? I get $20 for a regular point of lay pullet. I'll maybe push it to $25 for an in demand breed like a Legbar, but that sounds excessive. I'd give her $100 and otherwise sever ties.

 

[CMV]

Sounds reasonable. I would also ask the neighbors to keep their birds on their own property. Period. From a biosecurity standpoint, having random chickens, from unknown sources, strolling all over your yard is a nightmare waiting to happen.

 

[CMV]

Did those birds lay golden eggs or something? I get $20 for a regular point of lay pullet. I'll maybe push it to $25 for an in demand breed like a Legbar, but that sounds excessive. I'd give her $100 and otherwise sever ties.

Sounds reasonable. I would also ask the neighbors to keep their birds on their own property. Period. From a biosecurity standpoint, having random chickens, from unknown sources, strolling all over your yard is a nightmare waiting to happen.

 

[chattery41]

If your dogs had broken into the coop/run and killed the chickens, then yes absolutely you should pay for the lost birds. However, if the birds were not contained, the owner had to know that the flock was at risk of being killed by predators. It just so happened that the predators were your dogs.

I agree with this. If the birds were in your yard when the dogs got out, then chased them into their own yard and killed them ? Well the chickens were not contained in their own yard now were they ? $150 is ridiculous. This same thing happened to me and my neighbor asked 'what do i owe you' and i charged her $6 each, cause that's what i paid for the darn things ! If it had been a coyote who would she have tried to put the shaft to then ?

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

Since your dogs went on the neighbor's property and killed the birds there, yes, you owe for them. The law generally required that your dogs be in your control; when they door-dashed and chased the birds and then killed them, they were not controlled. As to the birds' value, ask them to document how they came up with their pricing. Be polite in asking. Some birds are more valuable (from a $$ standpoint) than others. That the birds were acquired for free is immaterial.

 

[nyrunner]

I can see there point but 150$ is way too much I would settle and give them 80 at the max no way would I give them 150 if it's just your regular chicken breed. And maybe this will force her to keep her chickens contained

 

[dmanhefner]

What kind of chickens were they? 50-75 is sufficient for run if the mill unknown age laying hens. If they were young pullets I could see 20-25 at most each.

 

[nuklee0]

That's unfortunate. Maybe offer to go buy her new chickens because it'll cost you less than that... Or tell her you looked up the going rate and it's about $20 each and give her $80... And maybe throw in a bag of feed?

 

[DarkWater1929]

I agree that you ought to pay her, because you said that you would. I also agree that she is really exploiting a situation that is her own fault, as much as anyone's. However, for myself, I hate tension where I live. I need, at a minimum, to be indifferent with my neighbors. I am not an over-the-fence-chatter kind of person, but I absolutely cannot stand to live where there is hostility and tension. Having said that, if you are like me, then $150 is a small price to pay to keep the peace, but I would tell her, in no uncertain terms, that if her chickens come onto your property again, you will seek an injunction to abate a nuisance, and that you will ask that she cover your legal expenses. Then, follow through, if necessary. On the other hand, if you are (like my husband) a person who does not mind a certain amount of healthy hostility in your life, then I would (in an offended tone) express that you think it a shame that she would try to take advantage of you in this way. Offer to give her whatever you think is fair (be able to document the payment - check or M.O., perhaps), and if she refuses, tell her to sue you. Might give you something to think about, while you wash dishes or whatever. Even I acknowledge that it is good to have a place to vent your hostile feelings, other than those nearest and dearest. Heehee! Good luck with this! Sincerely!