I lost 6 chickens today

[PAChickenMom]

I lost 6 of my girls today to a stray dog attack. 2 stray dogs got onto out property and attacked our beloved chickens. They are free range which is supposed to be the best for them but today I wished they were all locked up in their run. We lost Ivanka, Bertha, Cleo, Robin, Zelda, and Pixie. We also have 4 girls at the vet right now - I am sitting here waiting for a call back on their conditions. We have 4 left. Our rooster made it and 3 of our girls. I know the ones at the vet will need to be separated when or if they make it back for who knows how long. And we are prepared to set up emergency coops inside or out. But I am worried about the 3 girls left with the rooster. He is young and only seems to want to mount them all day. With 13 hens before he had many to chose from. But I have already noticed the 3 girls that are here and really getting it from him. I know that the ratio is off - should I put him in another area so he doesn't tear up the 3 healthy girls?

 

[sourland]

I am so very sorry for your loss. I free ranged for probably 15 years with minimal problems, and then one day a black lab decimated my flock. Nice dog with seriously negligent owners. It was a second offense for the dog, and our animal control agent made sure that the owners got nailed. If they were mine. I would separate the rooster from the hens until things settle down. Did you contact animal control about the dogs? Unless they have been eliminated, they will most likely return.

 

[PAChickenMom]

Thanks sourland. We have been lucky with them until today. And what's worse about this situation...the dogs that killed my girls are in my backyard. My husband happen to look out the window and saw the attack in progress - which is why we probably sill have some alive. But he caught both the dogs and tied them up in our yard until animal control would get here. I have called the county dog warden 3 times on his cell and 2 times at his office. Nobody has called me back and every other place I call say that they cannot pick up dogs and cannot have them dropped off. So I had to set up 2 crates in my yard and the dogs are there now. I couldn't let them go - it took me a while to gather up the remaining chickens and get them safe. I knew if I let the dogs go that they would go right back to the chickens. I figured someone would call me back or come to pick these dogs up. I know it's not their fault - it's their owners - but I cannot bring these dogs inside and now it's way too late for someone to come.

 

[jenniemig]

I would suggest calling your local Sheriff's Office to report the attack. Most times they have ways of contacting animal control, and they get a prompt response.

 

[PAChickenMom]

I had the state police out here yesterday. They tried to get the dog warden but he wasn't answering. The dog warden just called me back and is refusing to come get the dogs. He said he is out canvassing in another county and the best he can do is come out tomorrow. So I am supposed to keep these dogs that murdered my chickens in my yard?!?! I was arguing with him and he hung up on me - and then won't answer my calls. I called Harrisburg and got the name of his supervisor and I am waiting for him to call me back. I can't believe that this guy won't come up here and get the dogs.

I just spoke to the vet and we lost another chicken overnight - Charlotte - our beautiful friendly barred rock. I'm just heartbroken.

 

[jenniemig]

That is ridiculous, but seems to be the same everywhere. You'd think he'd be happy you already have them contained and all he has to do is pick them up. Is there an animal shelter that you could take them to?