37 chickens dead

[shelleyd2008]

If it were me, I'd get rid of the dogs. Even if you reinforce their area, they are chicken killers. If they get out again, it would be the same thing all over again.
I just recently had to get rid of my dog. She was outside all the time on a chain. The reason for her being on the chain was that she started killing chickens when she was younger. Lately, she had started killing any that got in her area, where before she would ignore them. Then it happened, one morning she somehow pulled her collar over her head, and the race was on. I found 20 birds dead, and there are several more that are still 'missing'. Of course most of them were pure breeds that I've had a very difficult time finding in the first place. Most of the mutt chickens were spared.
I knew she was a killer, but never thought it would be that bad. I felt there was nothing else I could do.

I am so very sorry for your loss, and I hope you work things out with your hubby and your dogs

 

[fowler_chick]

so sorry for your loss....if it was me i'd shoot the dog's and get rid of the husband...or vice verus

 

[NapsWithChickens]

I'm so sorry. I wish I was closer and could help.

My two cents: "Shooting" the dogs and/or the husband won't bring those sweet chickens back... and it sounds like your big heart would grieve even more. Hang in there.

 

[kcfuerst]

Shoot the dogs and feed them to the chickens. They will never be any good for anything again.

Thirty Seven!!!!!.....Hope your husband feels like an idiot and makes up for his stupidity.

 

[Sissy]

Oh I too am so sorry that you lost your chx.
I have Black bantam cochins and some blue. If you like ,
I have never sent eggs but I will gladly
help you out if your interested, E-mail or P.M me
No charge of course to a BYC member. Get rid of the Killer.
if its done once it will be done again.

Sissy
Sevier Cnty Tn.

 

[Sjisty]

Laurie, I feel so sad for you! I just lost some of my favorites, so I know the heartache you are going through. They look to us for their safety and well-being and the feeling I had of betraying that trust was overwhelming. I'm sure yours is, too.

I bet your husband feels as bad, or worse, as you. Not only is he seeing your pain, but he knows it's his fault. It was an expensive mistake I bet he will never make again.

Lots of hugs and healing thoughts your way. If you need any eggs to help start over, I do have few hens left after my raccoon ordeal and I would be happy to send you some.

 

[fasbendera]

So Sorry!

This is really gross buy my dad used this method and surprisingly it worked with three different dogs. He tied the dead chicken in two cases and rabbit in a third around the dogs neck and left it there for days. Yes I said days. I don't remember how long I can ask him and the offending dog never touched they animal the wore again ever.

 

[deb1]

Quote:
I had to rehome a dog also. She was a cocker spaniel and was the most determined dog that I have ever seen about killing chickens. She ate through chicken wire to get our birds. We put an apron around the coop and she MOVED the cinder blocks that we had placed on the wire. One time she even tore the bottom of our coop out so that she could make the door that the chickens go out large enough for her to enter.

She was a chubby little dog and only broke their necks. She wasn't hungry but was killing for fun.

I didn't blame her for being a dog, of course, but I knew that I had to find her a good home. We did.

 

[tiffanyh]

Im sorry for what your going through.

I too would get new one, heal your heart.

I would also get an electric fence for the chicken coop that is on 24/7. Dogs are being dogs, just add more protection to ensure it doesnt happen again.

 

[keystonepaul]

an electronic training collar can help to teach a dog not to dig. and depending on the distance the dogs are from the house you could get a good used one for cheap ( the longer the range the more expensive the system). Just remember the effective range listed is under ideal conditions so buy appropriatly. If interested in going this route and have questions feel free to pm me. Some dogs learn quickly, others are pretty hard headed and learn slowely, others never learn. You could also use the electronic training collar to train the dogs to leave the chickens alone. If I were in your situation I would do both for digging out and for bothering the chickens. I don't think I would ever trust the latter, but if you did zap them off chickens so to speak should they get out some how it might provide you some time to correct the situation without disasterous consequences. The chicken training itself I would do with a long check cord with someone holding to keep the dog from the chicken should the zap not deter it in it's quest. Sorry for your loss and good luck. Keystonepaul