ChickenChaser13
In the Brooder
The other day, the dog of our neighbors came in our yard and killed 7 of our hens(1 Dark Brahma, 1 Buff Brahma, 2 BO, 1 Delaware, 1 BR, and 1 BGL Wyandotte). I had four 7 week old BCM chicks who were free-ranging with the broody who hatched them somehow escape (Thank God!). We live in a rural area and the neighbors are 1 mile away from us. The dog has been over 3 times over the past 3 years. First time, he killed a 12 year old cat of ours (which the neighbors were notified of). Second time, we caught him before he could do any damage. Now the third time, he managed to kill 7 of our hens while injuring 2 others and tearing all of my rooster's tail feathers out. The sheriffs office was called and a deputy came out to take pictures and file a report, which he told us we were entitled to restitution. The neighbor is willing to make things right with us. I know this has been discussed many many times here, but what's the best way of going about this? Would it be fair to ask for a flat fee per hen (something like 20 dollars) plus the cost of loss egg production until I can get new layers? Winter is coming so I won't be getting anymore chicks until spring time and they won't start laying until fall of that year, which would add up to a loss of 1 year of eggs per hen. I probably sell around 15-20 dozen a month at $3 per dozen. Thanks in advance for any input! Can't believe that despite living in a wooded area with raccoons, skunks, oppossums, etc, it was a dog of all things to kill a third of my flock.