- May 5, 2007
- 9
- 0
- 60
Online, adult, standard breed birds (already laying hens) run $200 for a pair including shipping. Juveniles were $30+ each with shipping from the major suppliers (Stromberg's). When I can find them locally, they are less (average $30), but are subject to availability.
I have free-ranged chickens in a fenced 1/2 acre for over 10 years and have never lost any to wild animals . . . only neighborhood dog raids. In October, 4 pit bulls from next door dug under the fence and wiped out my entire flock - 9 laying hens, a rooster and 6 juveniles. Besides the one dog we managed to shoot, the others belonged to local drifters/druggies without a penny to their names, so small claims court was not even an option. Animal control impounded the remaining 3, but all were returned to their owners with warnings after faithfully promising the judge they would keep them contained.
This spring, we repaired the fence and started fresh with chicks. Last weekend, one of the same dogs again wiped out my entire flock in the coop (not free-ranging). She jumpted the 5' fence before we could contain or eliminate her. Did manage to get pictures though which will result in her eventual impoundment, but won't recover our financial loss. We've discovered the hard way that, while helpful, animal control is really hindered by red tape and legal limitations. And while horrific, shooting the dogs is the only answer.
I have free-ranged chickens in a fenced 1/2 acre for over 10 years and have never lost any to wild animals . . . only neighborhood dog raids. In October, 4 pit bulls from next door dug under the fence and wiped out my entire flock - 9 laying hens, a rooster and 6 juveniles. Besides the one dog we managed to shoot, the others belonged to local drifters/druggies without a penny to their names, so small claims court was not even an option. Animal control impounded the remaining 3, but all were returned to their owners with warnings after faithfully promising the judge they would keep them contained.
This spring, we repaired the fence and started fresh with chicks. Last weekend, one of the same dogs again wiped out my entire flock in the coop (not free-ranging). She jumpted the 5' fence before we could contain or eliminate her. Did manage to get pictures though which will result in her eventual impoundment, but won't recover our financial loss. We've discovered the hard way that, while helpful, animal control is really hindered by red tape and legal limitations. And while horrific, shooting the dogs is the only answer.