I'd like you alls support on this.

[CluckyJay]

Is there a reason the neighbor can't contain the dog? Even "good" dogs can do bad things when out of the owner's sight.

 

[Dingleberry]

I have my girls free range when i am at home. Is it possible to free range them while someone is home and put them in the coop at night?

 

[BunsNChicks]

I would talk with the dog owners, voice your concerns and ask them if they can either keep the dog on their property or allow you to train it not to chase chickens. The problem with training the dog however is "once a chicken killer always a chicken killer". If the chicken runs the dog chases. My thought would be to use a shock collar to deter the dog from chasing the chicken...and I doubt the owner of the dog will go for that!

 

[dkvart1]

years ago I rented a place in the country and one day heard a dog barking in my front yard. I went out to find a rooster in the middle of my lilac bush trying to get a way from the dog. He was from a property about 1/2 mile up the road and how he managed to make it as far as he did with that dog on his tail so to speak I'll never know. He was missing a few tail feathers and after chasing off the dog I wrapped him in a towel and carried him back to his owners. He was lucky that day.

As much as I would love to be able to free range my chickens once I finally get them I don't think I ever would unless it's later in the evening when I hear they are less prone to wander, and then only if I were out there supervising. There are just to many critters out there who would find them a tasty treat.

 

[Judy]

Many people do free range their chickens. Losses vary greatly, but there are ways to minimize them. If you are willing to accept some losses, you might research this further on here before you decide you can't do it at all. I did it for a couple of years with no losses while I had dogs around 24/7 who did not bother the chickens. That's a risk in itself, as even a well trained dog might suddenly decide to "play" with them, though it never happened to me (the best critter chasing dog was killed.) However, I agree with other posters, as long as the neighbor's dog is going to come on your property, your chances are not good. Dogs are one of the worst chicken predators. And it is your neighbor's responsibility to keep his dog on his property. Nothing at all wrong with taking him to the pound if he is on yours -- if you can catch him, and if that is your best option.

 

[chicklovers]

Build another coop. Doesnt have to be fancy. Some 4x4 with 2x4 at top and bottom, wrapped with wire. You can staple wire or use galvanized nails (they wont rust). I used old deck boards on one side to create a covered area. Ill post pics later today! cheap, efficient and looks good to! GOOD LUCK

 

[Domestic_goddess]

Quote:
I Agree!!! If you want more chickens, this will probably be your best option!

 

[mamabahre]

Quote:
shock collars are not a great training tool in any situation. Punishment rarely teaches the dog the behavior you are looking for. Also even when they are fully turned up a lot of dogs who are really into what they are doing, chasing chickens or whatever, will completely ignore it.

I don't get why you are so cool with the dog coming over to your house? I mean even if it is a nice dog and you like it, the owners should be paying attention to what the dog is doing.

I would love to free range too but we have a big dog who is super interested in the chickens (although never outside without me because she will run off untended) and our neighbor's big shepherd who has never come into our yard suddenly started sniffing around our yard, literally the day we got our girls...Coincidence, I think not...

I share your frustration but we are working on building a portable run for the girls that can be moved daily to give them fresh nibbles and bugs!

 

[Domestic_goddess]

Quote:
shock collars are not a great training tool in any situation. Punishment rarely teaches the dog the behavior you are looking for. Also even when they are fully turned up a lot of dogs who are really into what they are doing, chasing chickens or whatever, will completely ignore it.

I don't get why you are so cool with the dog coming over to your house? I mean even if it is a nice dog and you like it, the owners should be paying attention to what the dog is doing.

I would love to free range too but we have a big dog who is super interested in the chickens (although never outside without me because she will run off untended) and our neighbor's big shepherd who has never come into our yard suddenly started sniffing around our yard, literally the day we got our girls...Coincidence, I think not...

I share your frustration but we are working on building a portable run for the girls that can be moved daily to give them fresh nibbles and bugs!

I think this is a good idea too, make a portable run that you can move around the yard, they way they can be safe and then you can put them back in the coop at night!

 

[mmaddie's mom]

I think you will find that most of the folks on BYC who talk about free-ranging are talking about free-ranging during the daylight hours and closing them in at night... very few just let them run free 24-7... the reason being multiple predators... not just the neighbor's dog. Sorry we are not saying what you had hoped to hear. Good luck with your birds.