How much to charge for dead pullets?

[frankenchick]

The neighbors' dog attacked my chickens again. 5 were injured (as far as I could see tonight); my BO pullet, Ginger, had to be put down. Her hatchmate, Boo, was mauled by the same dog in Sept. and had to be put down.

One of my BRs (some of you may recall Sassy Pants from my stories of her derring-do) is in a box in the tub. She lost all of the feathers from her back 1/3 and some from one shoulder. She was hiding in a snowdrift and I think the exposed flesh may have frostbite. I will reassess her condition in the morning.

How much should I charge the neighbors for 2 pullets that have begun laying? They say they're getting rid of the dog, but I'll believe it when I see it.

 

[cozycritters]

Even if they *do* get rid of the dog, they still owe you for the chickens.

I would look up how much hatcheries are charging for adult chickens of those breeds, including the shipping, and charge them that amount...

 

[Wildsky]

Add up what you paid, how much food they've had, and double it.

 

[the1much]

get the price of pullet and shipping,, then times that by 2,, then add cost of ALL food you have fed them,, then take 5 eggs a week ( times 2) for 5 years,, then times that amount by the average price of farm fresh eggs in your area, then add in time and "hard" supplies spent for them,,,, and give THAT amount.

thats what your "out" for your INVESTMENT

 

[frankenchick]

the1much,
I once figured this out (I think after the first time I found the dog in my yard!), and the total value PER PULLET was $75 and change.

I may be willing to waive the value of one pullet if they actually get rid of the @%&!! dog.

 

[SussexInSeattle]

I know that everyone is emotional because of senseless killing by someone elses dog but if this went to a court of law, all that could be realistically recovered is the price of replacing the dead chickens. It can not be expected to recover 'board' fees for raising the chickens to date. It can not be expected to recover potential eggs that could have been laid. Animals (including dogs) are all considered livestock and all you can get is what it would cost to buy a new animal of similar age and value.

PS, I forgot that you could also recover for all the damage that the dog did to your property to get to your birds.

 

[the1much]

i wouldnt,, i would charge for both,, and then tell them im getting 50 more "just fer their dog",, and tell them thanks,, its pretty good and easy money, and all you have to do is feed their dog

 

[speckledhen]

I wouldn't let them off the hook. People like that always get another dog and neglect it the same way as the first one.

 

[FrChuckW]

There is an article in the Jan/Feb issue of Hobby Farms magazine that gives you step by step procedures to follow regarding everything you need to do. You need to document everything, take photos of the injured and deceased livestock, notify animal control and the sheriff's office, contact the county prosecutor's office.

You have the right to protect your animals from being harassed, attacked and killed. You are not only out the loss of the two hens from your flock, but the potential income from the sale of the eggs and/or chicks from your hens. You also have the right to shoot the offending dog if caught in the act.

 

[FrChuckW]

Quote:
Sorry Sussex, but I think you are wrong in this case. Dogs are not considered livestock but pets, and as such are covered under different ordinances than livestock which is Horses, Cattle, Sheep, Swine and Poultry. So yes they can recover the cost of not only the animal itself, but the replacement costs, which includes raising up a new animal, and the loss of income from the deceased animal.

And if the animal was a valuable breeding animal, then they can also recover the loss from potential breeding results of the animal.

But as a caveat, you must be able to document your claims, which includes recording dates, times, etc. as well as photographic evidence.