Advice needed on replaceing my neighbors chickens that my dog killed-

[woodstock]

Thank you for those words of kindness. Some of the replies indicated the opinion: dogs bad chickens good. <shrug> Maybe I didn't paint the picture accurately, but rosie, my dog chased the chickens toward the back of the property. It's 3 1/2 acres on our side and the same on the other side. Rosie is fast, and my wife Emmy didn't see where rosie ran to and when I hearn my wife call for me, I went out and Emmy ran toward the back where she saw rosie run to so I started looking up front and it was only a few minutes and the cops were there. Apparently, rosie got into the pen right away and killed the 5 chickens. It's unfortunate, and I'm willing to make it right, but sheesh, she's a dog and my opinion is that it is natural for her to chase and kill chickens if given the opportunity. It's not like we allow her to run free. It was an unfortunate accident. No malice involved. And yes, the cops around here are the highest paid in the State, maybe because it's the capitol, and yeah, they respond quickley. I found out he had the same issues with the neighbors on the other side as well a while back. Anyway, thanks again.

 

[sweetie54]

let us know what happens ok?????? if i were you tho i would just give them some money to replace them!!!

 

[cafarmgirl]

I own rottweilers and chickens both and I feel for both sides of your story. If the chicken owner has had problems before I'm wondering why he doesn't securely fence his chickens in? Many dogs cannot resist running after chickens, that's just the way they are and in this case it does not sound like this dog is routinely allowed to run loose and cause trouble. I would certainly pay for the lost chickens but also demand the chickens be contained on his property. I really agree with the idea of a shared fence between the properties. Personally I think secure fencing goes hand in hand with any kind of animal ownership. Good luck and I hope you reach a good outcome as it sounds like your making an effort to maintain a decent relationship with the neighbor.

 

[TammyTX]

Quote:
....yeah, I'm having problems with this line.

But I do agree that the chicken owner is just as much responsible to keep his birds on his property as you were to keep your dog under control.

I would also take photos of the chickens on your property as proof just in case this happens again.

 

[amartinlb]

Wow! Here is a dog owner willing to do the right thing - suddenly everyone (most) is on the other side! I don't know what to make of this. Usually in this forum the dog owners could care less.

I agree-pay the guy for the chickens. Work with him to keep them on his side of the fence. Keep your dog on your side.

Did both your fences get broken? Did the dog jump the fence? You are both fenced?

You both have to live next to each other longer than this dog or chickens are alive. I think it's better to try and resolve the issue as it is hard to live next to people at war all the time.

I have a crazy neighbor who doesn't even live at the property - the house isn't rented - he and his son just visit to keep it up once a week. He is unpleasant whenever we see him -complains about everything - our leaves, trimming our trees etc

 

[Marlinchaser]

Quote:
I would say that if he is happy with the $5 chicks I would get those and figure a bag of feed per bird to get them to laying stage at 11-15 per bag, so your back to the 15 per lost bird, I think I would offer 20 per bird, and let him pick out the chicks he wants. Worst case he says no and wants more best case he says yes and your back to being friends/neighbors again.

Then I would catch me a chicken and have dinner when he isnt looking

 

[woodstock]

I have been chatting w/people on craigslist. Someone said it would cost $4 per chick to raise them to laying stage which they say is around 5 months. That's not bad at all! So that's less than $50. I will offer him $50 and see what he says. See, we have a common landlord and she won't pay for a fense. My lease is up in June, so spending for a fence is not an option for me at this point. I'm not rich, so I will have to deal with this as simply as possible.

 

[FrenchHen]

That seems a bit low. Here the pullets cost $3 before the cost of feeding and housing.

 

[Chicks_N_Horses]

I haven't read everyones replies...You could try your local sale. We have one once a month where they sell chicks and chickens.

I would see if you two could come up with a lump sum he feels his chickens were worth. Then give him the money so he can go replace them with what he wants.

Don't be so hard on yourself either, accidents happen. Even to the best of dog owners. Dogs are still just animals and can be unpredictable and do crazy things like this. You just have to learn from it and take more precautions with your dog now. Try and remain civil with your neighbors though. If they are good understanding people then it is understandable that they are going to be upset over it but they will also be understanding with you and let you make it up to them.

Good Luck with this!!!

eta: If it were mine I would add up the cost I paid for the chicks plus the amount of feed I figure I have in them. Like if I had 6 that I paid 3.00 for as pullets, that is 18.00 and if they are 9 weeks I would estimate about 30.00 worth of chick feed for those 9 weeks. So I would ask for that $48.00.

I have 33 baby chicks now from 3 weeks to 6 weeks old. I have bought 50 pounds of starter once and I still have some left in the bag. I do feed fresh veggies/free range to mine as well.

eta: also you can get layers already laying that old for $15 -$20 a piece. Good layers. He should be satisfied with that I would think, I would be.

 

[woodstock]

Yeah, that about sums it up in my mind. $50 bucks will be my offer but he has to put in writing, I would think, that he will not persue the mater in court or file on my dog as a vicious animal which I read he could do, and then I'd have to take her out of the county. By the way, how do I post pictures? I was able to up load one of my dog, but I don't see how to make it part of my profile or post it in a reply. Anyway, will let yall know how it goes from here. If I come across others who are into chickens, I will certainly recomend this site! I will also tell the neighbor if he balks about my offer.