Woke up to neighbors dogs running through the yard with 2 chickens in their mouths. After accessing the damages I found I have at least 7 murdered layers and one badly injured roo. I had a flock of 28 and will not know how many are left until I am sure none are still hiding for their lives. This just makes me sick! Now what? I had a very good egg business with a local baker 40 plus eggs per week. How to I set a price to bill my neighbor? Please help.
I would check the local paper/auction houses to see what it will cost to replace the hens you lost. You will need documentation to show their value. This is how you would be awarded damages in a court of law, I had to take a neighbor (he has moved thank goodness) to small claims court to collect damages for one of his dogs killing 14 of my layers. I had "for sale" adds and a written statement from the owner of a small auction house as to the reasonable value of the hens. The judge did not flinch he awarded me their fair value plus the price of dozen eggs for each day until I replaced the hens. He awarded me a years worth. I explained to the judge I would only replace the hens with new chicks from the hatchery, i don't like to bring hens from another farm onto my farm for disease prevention reasons. Much to my surprise the judge agreed with me on the egg value, I thought he would only give me a couple of weeks worth of egg value. Remember to compare apples to apples. If your layers were 18 months old leghorns they will be worth more than 3 years old Rhode Island Reds. Have you spoken to the neighbor about damages? Did someone else let the chickens out before you woke up?
Too bad. I had six killed last year by a neighbors dog but I was unable to prove which neighbor so.... I had to eat the loss. I was so angry! Good luck and please let us know how things turn out.
I lost 18 of my 11 week olds to the neighbor's dog last Sunday and seeing as I couldn't catch her I had no proof (never mind the feathers in her mouth). Sorry for your loss hope you can get something out of the neighbor.
We had a dog go on a killing spree three years ago. We couldnt prove it was the dog either because we had no "photo" proof. I hope all your other hens are not too traumatized by the attack. Keep us updated.
Sorry about your girls and I hope your roo recovers! Did you confront your neighbor, and did he/she agree that their dogs did the deed? Barring, or in addition to that, did you call the police and make a report (or have them come out and write it up)? Do you keep ALL of your feed and equipment receipts? Estimate of the amount of business you'll lose until you've reestablished your flock? Cost of treatment for your injured roo? Recovery of the actual losses (your girls) might not amount to much. But, depending on your state's laws, you might be able to intiate a civil action to seek a judgment in your favor for an amount that approaches the real loss. Here in Missouri one can also go after others for `depriving one of the right to use and enjoy one's property' (with certain qualifications), don't know anything about Oregon. Sure wish you the best.
I have seen in many places that if someone/something harms/kills your chickens it would cost them 50 bucks per hen. IF they are young...more sometimes if they are older. Just depending on how many hens and how often they lay. You have to take into account the eggs you will be losing out on AND the feed you have already put into them. A hen in our papers here go for 25 bucks if they are laying age. OH and if they are show birds could be even more! Bill them for everything you can! That is just aweful! Good luck! Sure glad our neighbors are keeping their dogs at home since they know we have chickens now.
Thanks to all who expressed their sympathy..It is amazing how attached we get to our animals isn't it? I was in hysterics yesterday then depressed and angry then finally resolved. A day of real ups and downs. Both neighbors involved actually came to me within the hour and offered condolences and cash. They were both so sincerely sorry and apologetic. I live in a very very small community and after much consideration I have decided to offer them a barter. I don't want to alienate half the town. If they agree to the barter terms ( some heavy front end loader work removing logs and wooden swing set) (Fresh trout and ?) One has a Cat and the other a fishing lodge. If this works for them It would make for a friendlier deal. If not I will have a bill prepared as well. I truely value my neighbors as for the most part they are each and everyone awesome. The dogs are now secured and I feel confident they will stay that way. One actually said they would'nt have blamed me if I had shot their dog.
How wonderful that you have such caring neighbors. I'm sure they feel horrible. So sorry about your girls...
