I had a neighbor's dogs in my yard twice in 4 days. The little dog tore up my Mama hen who is raising 4 baby chicks (2 wks old). I live within the city limits, and have a converted playhouse hen house with an attached fenced and covered run. I let my girls out to free range when I am home, usually in the afternoons, close to bedtime. NOT ONCE have my chickens ever strayed onto a neighbor's property. We live on around an acre with our house set back on the lot.
Anyway, I called animal control to report the darn dog, and she starts questioning me about my chickens. She asks if I have a fenced in yard. We have a fence on three sides, but none across the front. We would have to get a gate with an opener, and the cost is just too high for us. She told me I cannot let my chickens free range unless the property is fenced. I have studied the ordinance, and it states that no poultry can be allowed to "run at large" ( mine are not), and that they must live in a enclosed area. (they do) I have never let them wander around when I am not home. She really made me mad, because my neighbor's murdering dogs have attacked my girls TWICE!! One of those times, the dog ran into my house!!!
I told her we were not talking about me, but my neighbor's. She wrote it up.
I am concerned that now I have put a big target on my forehead, so to speak. This is no small price tag to install the fence. We just cannot do it. Should I continue to let them free range, or just keep the poor ones cooped up? What would you do??
Thanks for your advice!!
Anyway, I called animal control to report the darn dog, and she starts questioning me about my chickens. She asks if I have a fenced in yard. We have a fence on three sides, but none across the front. We would have to get a gate with an opener, and the cost is just too high for us. She told me I cannot let my chickens free range unless the property is fenced. I have studied the ordinance, and it states that no poultry can be allowed to "run at large" ( mine are not), and that they must live in a enclosed area. (they do) I have never let them wander around when I am not home. She really made me mad, because my neighbor's murdering dogs have attacked my girls TWICE!! One of those times, the dog ran into my house!!!
I told her we were not talking about me, but my neighbor's. She wrote it up.
I am concerned that now I have put a big target on my forehead, so to speak. This is no small price tag to install the fence. We just cannot do it. Should I continue to let them free range, or just keep the poor ones cooped up? What would you do??
Thanks for your advice!!