I read these predator posts every day and thought myself lucky here in Queensland that we dont have any of the horrible pests you North Americans have. I have killed a large brown snake last week but it may have only been after eggs.
My 6 chooks free range my whole (fenced) yard all day and I even stopped locking the coop at night.
This morning I went outside to check the 2 broodies, I thought I'd broken them and found a RIR chicken wing near their nest. Went out the front yard and found brown feathers everywhere but little else. I knew it was a dog but which one.
About half an hour later a big Mastif looking hunting dog is stalking our fence, nose up looking to jump in. Gotcha.
I chased it off with a pitch fork and spoke to the owners kid, told him "this dog killed one of my hens last night, I'll come to see you dad later."
I called animal control and they told me an investigation would lead to the dog being declared "dangerous" and a prosecution meaning a court appearance. I said I'd speak to them and see what happens.
Anyway, owner was very apologetic and straight away offered to pay for the bird. we agreed on $40 and I told him he'd have to keep it locked up from now on. He was very sorry about it all.
Just goes to show, no matter how safe you think you are.............
I"ll be locking the girls up from now on and now i've got to integrate a new girl into the flock.
My 6 chooks free range my whole (fenced) yard all day and I even stopped locking the coop at night.
This morning I went outside to check the 2 broodies, I thought I'd broken them and found a RIR chicken wing near their nest. Went out the front yard and found brown feathers everywhere but little else. I knew it was a dog but which one.
About half an hour later a big Mastif looking hunting dog is stalking our fence, nose up looking to jump in. Gotcha.
I chased it off with a pitch fork and spoke to the owners kid, told him "this dog killed one of my hens last night, I'll come to see you dad later."
I called animal control and they told me an investigation would lead to the dog being declared "dangerous" and a prosecution meaning a court appearance. I said I'd speak to them and see what happens.
Anyway, owner was very apologetic and straight away offered to pay for the bird. we agreed on $40 and I told him he'd have to keep it locked up from now on. He was very sorry about it all.
Just goes to show, no matter how safe you think you are.............
I"ll be locking the girls up from now on and now i've got to integrate a new girl into the flock.
