Im just devastated

[Denece&Lacey]

One of my dogs busted a hole in the fence where he barely had enough room and killed a bunch of my chickens yesterday. I dont know what to do now. We have only had chickens about 2 months. How do I keep this from happening again? Even if he isnt still around I dont want another dog to do the same thing. What have you all learned from experience?

 

[Parson's Wife]

I'm so sorry.
I lost my entire flock to two dogs last week.
I am putting boards around the entire length of our coop & run.
Also putting out (on the outside) pet keep away pellets. My husband has bought electric wire and acces. I have not become comfortable with that yet.

Maybe someone with a fool-proof coop will give details.
Again, I'm so sorry...it will get better.

 

[patandchickens]

To seriously over-build fences from the get go

Sorry to hear about your loss, but you definitely CAN pick up the pieces, beef up the run, and start again,

Pat

 

[Denece&Lacey]

I sure hope so. Its hard to deal with. My daughter loved them. I did also of course. We were enjoying it so much. Are you starting over? What happened to the dogs? I cant decide what to do with my dog. I dont think I should keep him, Im sure he wont quit.

 

[Parson's Wife]

My children love the chickens, in particular the Silkies. They were heart-broken. My little girl would cry off and on for 2 days!

They are neighbors dogs, who live down the road, I had no success with communicating with the owners...(no one would claim them)

While, they are sweet dogs, friendly & good-natured, I really don't have the heart to hurt them. But neither do I want my chickens slaughtered again. Therefore working on the coop.

I have 3 dogs. 2 yorkies & a collie mix...my male yorkie barks at them, but runs with tail tucked when they turn to peck at him. Female never bothers them. My collie has circled the perimeter, but only because she wanted in. She never seems to pay attention to them. I don't trust her, but neither has she shown any inclination to them.

The only thing we can do is holler at the dogs (this usually runs them off while we are there) and work on the coop security.

I was heartsick for 2 days, then began to feel better, still sad.
I'm currently trying to replace my silkies, and dominiques. My husband really liked the RIR...so those will come back too.

You have my sympathy.

 

[Run-A-Muck Ranch]

Denece&Lacey :

I sure hope so. Its hard to deal with. My daughter loved them. I did also of course. We were enjoying it so much. Are you starting over? What happened to the dogs? I cant decide what to do with my dog. I dont think I should keep him, Im sure he wont quit.

I dont' know if this actually works, BUT I have been told about people who hang a dead chicken around there dogs neck. I believe it was for like a week. After a while the chicken starts smelling and what not, and supposedly it will stop the dog from killing again.
Now like I said I don't know if this really works or not, but I have heard of people who have done it.

Maybe someone who has a hand in this could offer some help.

I personally dont' have time for dogs who kill/bite.
I would rather the dog be put down than kill a person. A chicken is one thing, but think about your children. I know I would be beside myself if one of our dogs killed an animal of ours, but at the same time I would not trust the dog any longer and have it put down. Please don't get me wrong...I LOVE all our animals. I just am not willing to take the chance of keeping a biter or even worse a killer around.​

 

[Denece&Lacey]

This dog is a corgi/schnauzer mix. He didnt show any interest until Monday. Then last night he went on his massacre. We were only gone about 2 hours. We cant watch them night and day though. I also think maybe because they were all young. He might have been scared of grown chickens. I dont know what to do with him. He sort of ended up at my house last year. I did love him but after this I dont know. Im still too upset and mad at him.un

 

[Denece&Lacey]

I have heard of tieing the chicken on the dog. I would hate to have to deal with that!! I dont think the neighbors would care for it much either. I dont think I even care to mess with him after this. He needs to go to a chicken free home!!

 

[arlee453]

Use chain link fencing for your run area to keep dogs from breaking through. If you have big dogs that are determined, use 6' chainlink rather than 4' to keep them from going over. Use hardware cloth attached about 3' up all the way around the inside to keep your little chicks in the run, and coon hands and cat paws out.

Bury either chain link or hardware cloth around the run - attach it at the base of the chainlink and then bury down and out about 12" to deter digging predators.

Cover the top of your run to deter climbing and/or flying predators.

Nothing is 100%, but 'chicken wire' poultry netting or whatever you want to call it (the hexagonal wire fencing used for chicken coops) won't keep out a determined dog or raccoon.

 

[Denece&Lacey]

Most of it has chain link fencing with chicken wire on the inside of it. He got through a little piece between the barn and the back fence. Thanks for the help.