Freaking out!

[joanm]

That's a shame about your in-laws, it does make for a sticky situation... I would try the water hose and fire crackers... My dog sat by the brooder for awhile then lost interest..,

 

[FingerLakesChick]

Maybe you should use the hose on your neighbors? Sorry I couldn't resist!!!

 

[homesteader34]

Quote:

I love it! Wish I could!

 

[Whirlwind]

FingerLakesChick wrote:
Maybe you should use the hose on your neighbors? Sorry I couldn't resist!!!

 

[joanc]

I would call the sheriff or dog catcher on any dog that was in my yard, especially around my chickens or kids (if I had kids). After all the time, money and emotions that go with raising chickens I wouldn't hesitate to do whatever it takes to keep them (and me) safe. If you're afraid of the dogs and your in-laws won't do anything to keep their animals out of your yard make the call. It isn't up to your in-laws to decide what you do in your own yard. You have every right to feel safe on your own property. I guess I have strong feelings about this-This just made me mad when I read about your situation. Good luck.

 

[BirdBrain]

For what it's worth, I agree with joanc. Call Animal Control and tell them that there are dogs on your property that do not belong to you and are making a nuisance of themselves. Tell them you fear for the safety of your children and self.

 

[homesteader34]

I just called my FIL about the dogs. He is at work and said he would see what he could do to help me out when he gets home. He doesnt want the dogs, because they are not taken care of. He and I get along a little. Only due to me blowing up at him once an letting him know I was an adult also. he seemed pretty level headed about the chicken and dog problem. He said that he wanted the stray gone as well. And that we would maybe set up one of those underground fences for their dogs. I told him id be more than happy to pay for half of it. Feel bad asking too much out of him,,, he was just diagnosed with prostate cancer. And has a wife that could care less. But back to the subject of matter.... my husband suggested us bringing them in at night for the first few days. To just be on safe side at night from dogs. He also suggested a doc appt for me to get on that prozac i joked about earlier.. i was like HAHA!!!

 

[justusnak]

I have a pellet gun for strays. It doesnt kill...but hurts like fire! There is one stray around here...very pretty little dog, but my chickens free range. It was in my yard one day...checking out my chickens, and I got the pellet gun. Popped that little sucker in the rear. I can not believe how high a dog can jump when popped with a pellet. Now, the dog comes down the road......stops at one end of the property...looks around ( for me I guess) and RUNS...and I mean like the devil himself is after it...down the road past the house and coop. Try it....worked on this dog! Hope it works on your mother in law.....ooops, I mean her dogs! LOL

 

[homesteader34]

Quote:
I bought a pellet gun this past weekend. Since i have never shot anything before.. we have been practicing some. I think at this point the dog may laugh at me with my shooting skills..

Have you ever had an animal turn on you when you shot them with a pellet gun. I have been a little nervous around dogs since my son and I got attacked. Its funny.. my dog is a mini datsun and he played in the house with the chicks here. Didnt bother them. Thought they were suppose to be bird dogs. At least thats one dog in the yard im not worried about. He even layed on the couch with me holding one at the other end. I better get going.. my oldest son is out there hammering something. He is determined to make it safe for his rooster...Michael Jordan.

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

It is a sticky situation, but sounds like your mil is a &*$%^, and doesn't like you anyway. I wouldn't worry so much about making her angry. I have a mil like that.. didn't like me for the first 5yrs dh and I were together. Really, used to say awful stuff about me to anyone who would listen, and meanwhile moved to live closer and closer to us. Drove me crazy. Eventually she realized I'm not going anywhere, dh is part of our family, and she got over it.

Here's my thing: My parents are my responsibility, hubby's are his. Tell your husband he needs to make you mil backdown. None of her business what you do at your place, what you grow in your garden

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Glad your fil is helpful. That makes it easier. And I find yelling GO HOME and throwing rocks in the direction of the dogs usually gets the point across. Don't go too close, but make your yell VERY firm.

-Meghan