Help me figure out who MURDERED our flock!!!

[chloezoebob101]

i had a raccoon or fox get in my area in 2010 and they took all but four of mine

which means they took 40

 

[hdowden]

my first thoughts were eaither bear or dogs

 

[HIS Paintbrush]

EEEEEWWWWWW I hate coons! You need a big ferocious dog to eat them coons!

 

[Mzyla]

It is so sad and heartbreaking to read that so many of you lost your beloved pets chickens.
I’m so sorry for all of you and I certainly don’t wish such a happening to anybody.

I don’t want to sound like a promoter of LGD, but for God sake – get a Guardian dog!
Not just any dog, not high pray driven dog, not the kind that would torment your birds.

You need to chose from hereby list:

Great Pyrenees, Maremma, Anatolians, Kangal, Akbash, Karakachan and Kuvasz

These dogs are big and strong enough to take any predator. Yet, they could be lovable pets to your family.
Although their guarding instinct and love to his "family’"is breed in, it all depends what kind of training this dog receive and general environment he find himself in.

After your puppy pass approx. 6 months of age, you wouldn’t have any problems with predators!

 

[bobbi-j]

It is so sad and heartbreaking to read that so many of you lost your beloved pets chickens.
I’m so sorry for all of you and I certainly don’t wish such a happening to anybody.

I don’t want to sound like a promoter of LGD, but for God sake – get a Guardian dog!
Not just any dog, not high pray driven dog, not the kind that would torment your birds.

You need to chose from hereby list:

Great Pyrenees, Maremma, Anatolians, Kangal, Akbash, Karakachan and Kuvasz

These dogs are big and strong enough to take any predator. Yet, they could be lovable pets to your family.
Although their guarding instinct and love to his "family’"is breed in, it all depends what kind of training this dog receive and general environment he find himself in.

After your puppy pass approx. 6 months of age, you wouldn’t have any problems with predators!

This is all good and well, but not everyone has the money to buy one, or the space to keep one. I don't think the average suburban backyard chicken keeper would have the space or be able to give these dogs the time and attention they would need. They just don't fit into everyone's lives. Not saying they aren't great dogs - I'm sure they are. But they do need room to roam, too.

 

[cafarmgirl]

This is all good and well, but not everyone has the money to buy one, or the space to keep one. I don't think the average suburban backyard chicken keeper would have the space or be able to give these dogs the time and attention they would need. They just don't fit into everyone's lives. Not saying they aren't great dogs - I'm sure they are. But they do need room to roam, too.

I agree. Great dogs in the correct element. Great Pyr's for one are also known for barking a lot, especially at night. Not so great if you have close neighbors. Raising and training a dog is a whole 'nuther matter as well so you don't end up with your very own, live-in chicken predator! I think for most folks defense in the form of a solid, predator proof coop/run is the best and easiest bet.

 

[Mzyla]

I agree with your reasoning. Somehow it skipped my mind that many of our members may not have adequate space or live in neighborhood "too close for comfort". I’m sorry for not thinking about that.
Nevertheless I beg to differ about not being able to afford a dog. A puppy cost not much more then a value of several lost chickens, anguish, tears, sorrow, distress….
To guard a chickens, you don’t necessarily need a dog with papers.
Pure breed un-registered dog could be obtained for $200+-
I even came across an ad, where a farmer was saying: we accept bartering.
Meaning, that they accept something in exchange. That could be different animal or other things of equal value including labor service.

And - not every Pyr (not every LGD) is barking at night.

My is almost completely quiet.

Just moments ago, I was looking through my kitchen window and I see an orange dog coming to our property. He was sort of a big version of fox. Size of a German Sheppard. He was sniffing, coming closer and closer....I heard my chicken giving these "alert voices".

Where is my Pyr? Why is he not barking?
In the next second, I saw my Pyr charging at the dog silently, not one barks!
He chased this dog within lightening speed. I didn't even know that he can run so fast!
Then it was silence.....No dogs....I was worried that my Pyr is gone beyond our property...
I went outside ready to look for him. There he was, laying next to the porch, all proud

 

[harveyhorses]

Those breeds also require a LOT OF TRAINING. Time time time. and if you ever want a bunch of friends over, lock them up.
I guess you are not on a 1/2 acre lot with neighbor hood children running up and down the street?
They are what they are bred to be, and not every situation is right for them.

Sorry this thread seems to be derailed.