Dog attack cost us our layers

[KSPixieChick]

Hi all,
It's a sad time here. My husband saw the dogs in our outdoor run and went inside for his gun. The dogs were still trying to get our chickens when he started shooting them. I got the call right at lunchtime while at work and went home.
I have not cried so much since I was a little girl. They looked like a mound of feathers until I got close. Those dogs tore them up and I almost couldn't find a voice to call "treat treat" so any others that were scattered would come to me. One of my Ameracaunas came but the other three were dead or dying.
The dogs were intent on shredding them and the many of the wounded had to be put down. Four more have died since the attack and I don't expect three others to make it.
We lost 24 layers, my daughter's little white silky hen who had not started to lay, and her Banty Blue Cockin roo. The last two were hatched by by daughter for her 17th birthday.

The owners of the dogs were away on vacation and they live two miles away. The gentleman came over this morning to get his dogs not knowing they had been killed. I felt bad for him. He seems like a very nice man and I could tell he cared for his dogs. He told us to let him know our damages and apologized for his dogs.

Thanks for listening

 

[Imp]

That's so sad. I'm sorry.

Imp

 

[Buff Hooligans]

So the chickens were in a run and they still got attacked? That is SO SAD. I'm so sorry for you - that's so many losses.

 

[Hens_And_Chicks]

I'm so sorry for the trauma and loss but good for you husband for disposing of the dogs. I hope your neighbor comes through with taking care of the loss value/replacement cost but it hardly restores your loss.

Dog on my property equals dead dog.

 

[Sillystunt]

oh that is sooooo sad! I am so sorry for your loss. At least the man seemed to want to do the right thing. Was it the babysitter or owner who came? Gosh, what a tragic day!

 

[KSPixieChick]

Thanks for the sympathy. I am going to ask him to replace the hens instead of paying for them. I don't want money, I want my chickies. It will be cheaper for him to buy some pullets next spring because I don't think he will be able to find any around here. All the day olds are sold out everywhere.
We put another one down today. My husband is letting one walk around with maggots in her because he said she is getting along well and the maggots eat the dead flesh. Sounds gross. I hope it is the right thing.
My rooster was outside under the coop this evening so I hope he makes it back inside.
We will see what tomorrow brings.

 

[speckledhen]

Honestly, I would not let that hen walk around with maggots. She won't make it, IMO.

They were away on vacation and left the dogs?? I don't care how nice he was or how sorry he seemed, I'd get full restitution. It's the only way some folks learn, really. I'm so sorry.

I don't have the stomach for P & P these days, I guess. I want these dog owners to pay and pay dearly for their negligence. Again, I'm sorry for your loss.

 

[Namble]

Wow. I am really sorry.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Quote:
I agree. Get rid of those maggots. They will kill your hen.

 

[mikeksfarmer]

Oh what a terrible thing. I am so sorry. But I am also very happy you killed the dogs. I think every time we kill dogs in the act it gets the word out. You can bet all your nighbors will think twice about letting dogs run for a while. Best wishes on rebuilding your new flock.