Current predator problem solved. WARNING GRUESOME and sad.

[Triple Willow]

Good job GingerLilyPad! Stand your ground and don't let ignorant neighbors dictate what you can do on your own land.

 

[speedbird]

The idiots think dogs are better then chickens because the people WANT to support CRUEL HEARTLESS FACTORY FARMER'S WHO TREAT CHICKENS LIKE MACHINES!!!

 

[speedbird]

Thanks everyone. At least someone seems to care. I have been slowly working on my pen, when the weather is warm enough. I also have picked up an electric fence charger. Maybe something will help. I have 8 free range guineas that refuse to come in at night, and three bantams that think they are guineas. They sleep in the trees. Yes, I know they will eventually get taken by something. I haven't gotten anymore chickens because first it is too cold and second, I want my pen finished first. My wonderful (sic) caring neighbors have gotten two more dogs that they are allowing to run lose. One guess where they keep coming, and chasing my birds. It upset my sister that I shot the other dogs, she told me that I am not allowed to shoot these dogs, even if they get in the pen when it is done. So,why bother getting chickens again. I mean they are just chickens and it is silly to get so upset. I mean dogs are so much more important than a chicken. So these dogs will not be shot. They will be relocated to an animal shelter that is 90 miles away. Maybe if my neighbors dogs keep disappearing they will get the message. I live on 8 acres, so it's not like these neighbors are right next door.

You can (and should) sue them you know. BTW the dogs are so much more important than a chicken. So these dogs will not be shot. They will be relocated to an animal shelter that is 90 miles away

REALLY cracked me up!

So sorry for your loss though

And your sister...well...

 

[bhwk40]

dont wait till they are in your pen this time , shoot them the minute they are trespassing on your land , you have a right to protect your property

 

[Searsmom]

I'd go about 2 feet on the outside for the apron, inside not really needed.
3 feet of chicken wire on the wall of the run can be a good idea.

That's what we have. I used to shoot at the neighbor's dogs even before we had chickens. We had a toddler and no fence. I see a strange dog running up to her on our property and it has no chance. That's what you get when you decide your dogs can run anywhere. It's not just chickens we're protecting. It's children playing out in the yard. Now that we have chickens, these chickens aren't pets, they are working for me and providing eggs to our growing girl. Somebody wants to take food out of my daughter's mouth, they will have a fight on their hands.

 

[chicksurreal]

Even if a person just wants chickens as pets, nobody has the right to let their dogs (or other animals) run loose and terrorize and kill them. We have chickens that provide eggs for us, but they are also considered pets. I don't think anyone's "pet" is worth any more or should have any right to kill another person's pet. It's terrible that these neighbors of yours feel like they can do this with impunity.

And I agree with Searsmom in that stray dogs are an unknown, you can't just let them run all over your property if you have children to protect (or anything else for that matter). If a dog will spend the time to dig under a fence to get to your chickens, I think that's a problem. These aren't starving wild animals, they are domesticated pets, presumable fed by their owners, that have no discipline and are not supervised. Big problem.

 

[JackAubrey]

You handled this properly. It's unfortunate to have to do that,and unpleasant,but necessary.JA