I need some experienced wisdom here( i had an inccident yesterday)

[jdywntr]

Even worse, some of their dogs have killed their birds. One of them (not the ones that come here) killed all of their chickens last year! I need to double check but I think that they said the GP killed one of their chickens last week.

When I told them I wanted to free range (our house is in the middle of the 5 acres we rent so the front is basically unused) they said they were going to get rid of the dogs. Said they put an ad on CL for the 2 beagle mixes that they found recently. I searched CL, never found an ad.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Even worse, some of their dogs have killed their birds. One of them (not the ones that come here) killed all of their chickens last year! I need to double check but I think that they said the GP killed one of their chickens last week.

When I told them I wanted to free range (our house is in the middle of the 5 acres we rent so the front is basically unused) they said they were going to get rid of the dogs. Said they put an ad on CL for the 2 beagle mixes that they found recently. I searched CL, never found an ad.

Thats too bad, I'd ask them if they ever put their ad on and if anyone contacted them about the dogs.[they don't have to know you looked] maybe that would remind them of what they said they'd do.

 

[Going Quackers]

Just saw the thread. Sorry for the loss.

I agree, it sounds like a dog. We have that problem here. Worst part is they are our landlord's dogs and one of them is a GP. Whenever I see them, I go out and run them off. We also don't have guns, yet. I've told my husband that I want to get a bat or 2 or 3. He thought this was crazy but I would rather have something available at all doors if something comes along. Bats are aerodynamic too so siwng would be easy. I plan to look at some thrift stores for some but they are only $10 at walmart.

I was lucky that there was alot of old fencing rolled up in the pasture here and the landlord didn't care what I did/used. I would put an ad on craigslist for fencing. I see a good amount of ads here for free fencing, if you remove it. Labor intensive but free.

Again, so sorry for your loss.

Thank you. Yes, it's so frustrating. it also bugs me because a dog can present issue with the horses, heck even my kids! not that they are little but still this area is literally out our back door... we do have a baseball bat, the kids rarely use it maybe i outta get it out by the back...

I shoved some extra chicken wire i have along the area i placed the snow fence to extend it, it will cause a noise and a whole lot of hassle to get through... ugh.

 

[Going Quackers]

Even worse, some of their dogs have killed their birds. One of them (not the ones that come here) killed all of their chickens last year! I need to double check but I think that they said the GP killed one of their chickens last week.

When I told them I wanted to free range (our house is in the middle of the 5 acres we rent so the front is basically unused) they said they were going to get rid of the dogs. Said they put an ad on CL for the 2 beagle mixes that they found recently. I searched CL, never found an ad.

That's awful, i own dogs and have my whole life but they are never left to roam..

 

[Going Quackers]

To revisit conversations of months ago, should i look into a goose? yes, i know it won't "protect" the flock but it would make noise... since 'scovie are practically silent, a goose would provide something they cannot.

Thoughts? I'd love a guardian dog but right now i couldn't manage the training or expense... perhaps an option for the future though. My mother joked i need a giant bubble over the property lol .. i wish!

 

[larkflying]

A goose might provide a warning - it would certainly help since the ducks are so quiet. But sometimes if they are really feeling threatened they will just be very still and quiet and bunch together. I have 20 American Buff Geese -- I love them and they work great for my situation. However, they are not one of the breeds that honk at everything new. I know a lot of people like Chinese geese for watch geese and I think they may be more likely to honk if something changes around them. Other breeds might work out too . . . but I got the Buff's because they were more friendly and quieter (although no geese are quiet exactly).

I love having geese, and they get along okay with my ducks, but they do have their own set of behaviors and needs that you would have to learn about to see if they would fit in to the situation. Even with my 20 geese, a stray dog would terrify them and I doubt that even the most aggressive gander (or two, or three) would be able to discourage a determined prey driven large dog . . . maybe a younger puppy type that is just trying to chase things for fun. But, I'd think you'd at least hear something while the dog was out there . . .

 

[jdywntr]

I'm new to geese but my oldest ~2.5 month old chinese makes a very loud shrill honk whenever I go out there. They are still young but I have never heard them from the house about 50 yards away. I do sometimes hear one of my chickens when she's telling the world that she laid an egg.
I think a goose may work as long as you are not far.

 

[CelticOaksFarm]

To revisit conversations of months ago, should i look into a goose? yes, i know it won't "protect" the flock but it would make noise... since 'scovie are practically silent, a goose would provide something they cannot.

Thoughts? I'd love a guardian dog but right now i couldn't manage the training or expense... perhaps an option for the future though. My mother joked i need a giant bubble over the property lol .. i wish!

GQ our africans are very LOUD and i call them the sentinals