I'd like you alls support on this.

[drdoolittle]

I wouldn't do it. My chickens "free-range" in a big 100' x 100' pen, and I still worry about hawks. I just have too much invested in my chickens to take a chance.

 

[QualityPolish]

I have free range chickens and a neighbor with a curious dog. 2 years ago their dog attacked and killed 3 of our chickens, our solution, my husband went over there and threatened to shoot his dog right off his deck if he didn't control his dog. 2 years later, haven't seen that dog on our property since. Yes it was threatening and he was willing to do it, he had his gun in hand when he went over there. But it worked, no problems since. Sometimes you must take action and have a little talk with your neighbor. I'm not saying go and shoot your neighbors dog because it sounds like a sweetheart but, just have a chat and say you don't appreciate it over on your property, it's yours not his.


PS. If they are free ranging I would suggest penning them up at night, many more predators are out, then you'd have a bigger problem.
best of luck

QP

 

[ShortCircuitRanch2332]

Free range Chickens are GREAT But you need to protect them and yes there is the chance you will have losses but that is possible even with the best built coop talk to your neighbors tell them there dog chases your chickens and they free range which LEGAL just in case they toss that card at you (personal experience) ask them to keep there dog out of your yard and if she kills a chicken they HAVE to pay for them and let them know that

 

[cmtigger]

In many places where it is zoned AG, you can shoot a dog if it is threatening your livestock.

IMO- it's just not smart to let a dog run loose. I have issues with a neighbor's dog, but my property is totally fenced, and I will repair the point where he gets in before the chicks are outside. I don't understand why the owner puts them at danger by allowing them to run loose.

 

[Tomhusker]

Quote:
This is what I do also. They return every evening to roost inside the coop.... as far as a dog that attacks, well, I attack back.