Guardian geese for free range turkeys

[Bert2368]

We have had turkeys for several years, allowing them to free range during the days when we are we working near their pen outdoors, which happens most days during the summer.

We had over the years lost a bird occasionally to coyotes or several young poults to a fox which managed to get through the wire, but this year we lost ALL EIGHT of our red bourbon turkeys to our neighbors 3 dogs. The neighbor started letting their dogs run free in spite of us asking them NOT to do so as they headed to our place every time, we did not definitely know what the predator was until a pair of these dogs chased down and killed the last two turkeys right in front of me.

I still am seeing these dogs tracks in the snow on our property despite a rather poorly made fence the neighbor put up.

We would like to have turkeys again, and both they and we enjoy them getting to forage free during the days. Is there any chance that keeping a few of the larger breeds of geese with them could help protect a flock of free range turkeys?

 

[FoodFreedomNow]

Geese aren't livestock guardians - they're (arguably) alarm systems, but shouldn't be expected to fend off dogs. If rational discussion with the neighbor hasn't effectuated a mutually-agreeable resolution (i.e., them keeping their dogs where they belong), this, for me, would become a legal issue. If you can prove their dogs killed your turkeys, you should have legal recourse. I can only imagine how frustrating and irritating it must be to have neighbors like yours.

 

[oldhenlikesdogs]

Geese will do nothing for the protection of turkeys. You would need a livestock guardian like a dog, donkey or llama. Even than it can be hit and miss.

 

[Gray Farms]

I agree with both of the above. Geese are only alarms they are just as likely to be killed by predators.

 

[blackandtan]

I’m so sorry for your turkeys, and for your ongoing problem. I doubt those dogs will ever stop now that they’ve learned how fun it is to chase and kill bird. Geese won’t cut it but I wish you the best of luck!

 

[bluemerle]

Get the police involved. Dogs killing livestock is illegal & you can press charges.

 

[Gray Farms]

In my state you could legally shoot them. In some states the animal control department has funds set aside for dogs killing livestock. The dogs owner is legally responsible for compensating livestock owners for the losses.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Maybe electric fence instead? Most dogs don't like gunshots or fireworks. Maybe some sort of motion detector alarm?

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Lol maybe if you start shooting off your guns the dogs owners would get the message and tie up their dogs for their own safety.

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I'm sorry for your losses. I would certainly press charges and seek monetary damages. A witness or video would be helpful or any kind of forensic evidence such as the dog's saliva all over your dead bird wouldn't hurt. I don't think you need a guardian for your flock as much as you need to motivate your neighbor to control his dogs on the one hand, and more secure fences around your perimeter on the other hand. If dogs can get to your birds, so can other predators such as coyotes, foxes, raccoons, bobcats, etc. Good luck.