Lost 4 chickens today. In shock.

[Callender Girl]

The saddest part is that there are no winners in this situation. Your hens are dead; nothing will change that.

The dogs were just being dogs. The problem is their owner -- who either should have trained them or had them properly restrained at all times. So, if these dogs are found to be nuisances, in many places, they will be euthanized.

All of it is senseless and avoidable. There are a lot more bad owners than there are bad dogs.

 

[silverback]

So sorry for your loss.



Years ago, my cousin's little boy was attacked by some loose Doberman Pincers and they nearly ripped off his face. Lots of plastic surgery over many years. Dogs were put down, of course, but the kid could easily have died if not for the intervention of others. Evidently, there was a female dog in heat in the neighborhood and the male dogs were "not themselves" at that time. Still, dog owners should not let their dogs run free.



Won't say that our dogs never broke their chain or ran out of the house. I guess I can understand that part...

It's good that you are talking with the owner and I hope you can come to a fair settlement that works out for everybody. As with any attack, take some time to rethink your security setup and make changes if needed.

Oh my. How horrible to hear about the attack on your cousin's little boy. What an ordeal that must have been. Two days since we talked and nothing has happened since. I sent a text today. We shall see.

 

[silverback]

Ooh I'm so hoping he makes good on his promises.
Fingers crossed for that.
Where is pepper? Just outta it curiosity?
Funny story but i started out with two rescue hens. They were in horrible condition. I have a big place and a friend said ... "Hey, can you take two poor chickens?"
I was reluctant. I'm a road tripping freak.
But i did.
And now i have 34.
So there ya go.
The point i was getting to is, when the one hen died, i brought the other inside to hang out with me.
She had her own big old half-the-floor cage, I'm kinda neat freak, but after a few months somebody gave me another rescue. Then i bought a few.

You know, she perked right up.
I don't think they care who or what is in their flock - just as long as they have one!!

Can't hurt to try.
And i wouldn't hesitate to contact that owner again after a few days.
He's literally legally liable.

He'd be buying me some new TSC chicks, too.

Pepper is in the large run that encloses the coops. She does not have access to the larger fenced (and covered) "pasture" area that the dogs broke into. I visit her and today she seemed a bit perkier. Gave her some bits of melon which she devoured happily. I am still thinking about when/if to get more hens. Not ready yet. I haven't heard back from the guy since we talked so I sent a text today. We shall see.

 

[silverback]

The saddest part is that there are no winners in this situation. Your hens are dead; nothing will change that.

The dogs were just being dogs. The problem is their owner -- who either should have trained them or had them properly restrained at all times. So, if these dogs are found to be nuisances, in many places, they will be euthanized.

All of it is senseless and avoidable. There are a lot more bad owners than there are bad dogs.

Absolutely agree.

 

[silverback]

Met with the dog owner yesterday. Went as well as it could. Genuinely sorry. Really decent guy. Gave me flowers and a lovely sympathy card with a sincere message and more money than I had suggested would compensate for loss of hens, loss of eggs, damage to fence and vet bill. Loss, transition, sadness and a completion of sorts. Again thanks to all on this thread.

 

[Folly's place]

I'm so sorry for your losses, and glad that the dog owner came through for you.
Electric fencing is your friend! If it's legal where you live, set it up soonest. @Howard E , @cmom , and Premier1Supplies.com are go- to sources for information, and Premier has good fencing supplies too.
Mary

 

[gtaus]

Met with the dog owner yesterday. Went as well as it could. Genuinely sorry. Really decent guy. Gave me flowers and a lovely sympathy card with a sincere message and more money than I had suggested would compensate for loss of hens, loss of eggs, damage to fence and vet bill. Loss, transition, sadness and a completion of sorts. Again thanks to all on this thread.

Best news I have heard in quite some time. Thank you for sharing.

 

[DanetteGrace]

The two survivors are now dead. One was euthanized and the other had surgery but died shortly after I brought her home. So now there is only one hen left of the flock - Pepper - who is desperately lonely. I am not ready to think about more hens right now. Any advise for Pepper's well being all alone is welcome. She was pretty traumatized Wednesday but yesterday she actually laid an egg so that is a good sign. Thank you all for condolences. Tough week. Animal control identified the owner of the dogs and they are returned to him with a citation. It is now up to me if I want to file a civil suit. Very unsure what to do.

I had a lone hen once who was desperately lonely. I put a stuffed octopus in the coop with her and she snuggled right up to it. It was about the same size and color as she was.

I am sorry for your loss.

 

[Kgroves57]

Two loose Rottweilers broke through my fenced area today and killed 4 hens and severely wounded 2 others. I think one will die tonight but the other might make it. Put hydrogen peroxide on the open wounds. I am very upset. I saw the last part of the massacre as they lashed into my dear hens. One of them was "Red" my champion hen - 11 years old and in perfect health and laying eggs. I am distraught. Neighbors caught the dogs and they are impounded - no tags or collars. My husband's father just died and he is out of the country dealing with that. Very bad day.

I'm so very sorry! I lost 3 today to dogs as well.

 

[Gramma Judy]

The two survivors are now dead. One was euthanized and the other had surgery but died shortly after I brought her home. So now there is only one hen left of the flock - Pepper - who is desperately lonely. I am not ready to think about more hens right now. Any advise for Pepper's well being all alone is welcome. She was pretty traumatized Wednesday but yesterday she actually laid an egg so that is a good sign. Thank you all for condolences. Tough week. Animal control identified the owner of the dogs and they are returned to him with a citation. It is now up to me if I want to file a civil suit. Very unsure what to do.

I'm so sorry. The girls deserved better.