Lost my first (and last) bird tonight!! -- And All the Rest Tonite!!

[catdaddy66]

Quote:
I will start over and do a much better job! So sorry to hear of your loss too!

 

[KKatknap]

I gasped in horror when I read your post from tonight. I am SO very sorry.

As far as the dogs go, I would build your coop and run as strong as you are able to do...then run three strands of hot wire around that puppy. One low, one medium, and one near the top. One hit on the nose from a juiced wire will change their minds fast about bothering the chickens again.

I know a lot of people on here trust their dogs with their chickens. I don't. I hot wire!

I am truly sick about your loss. I'm so sorry.

 

[cochinbantam-lover]

Oh my gosh I can't tell you how sorry I am,

 

[pamperedpoultry]

I'm so sorry! thats terrible!! I've been blessed with dogs that get along real well with mine, but I know for a fact once they kill one its almost impossible to break.. I'd make ya coop like Fort Knox and start over...

 

[bobbi-j]

Secure the coop and run. The dogs were doing what dogs do - especially in a pack. The chickens ran and flew, the dogs chased and caught. I wouldn't give up on the dogs, either. They can be trained to leave the chickens alone, but it will take alot of work and consistency on your part. The question is how much time are you willing to invest in training them? Good luck!

 

[equine chick]

I would for the pen put contractors cloth down about 6 inches in the ground and either build a new pen or attach to old pen. Yes please put a cover on top, even it you clip the wings and they can't fly out some critter such as a hawk can fly in and snatch up your babies. Good luck to you!

 

[Debob]

Sorry about your loss. I agree, make the coop and run as critter proof as possible, and start over. Dogs were just doing what they do.

 

[TexasVet]

In my experience, once dogs know where the chickens are they don't forget. Finally had to put down a neighbor's dog that came over 5 times and six months and killed about a dozen hens. Another neighbor's dogs would run around and around the run until the frightened hens flew out the top. Dogs are just bad news unless they're yours and you have have time and patience to train them.

My pen is hotwired at the top and bottom, but it still doesn't keep the occasional stray mutt from scaring the hens into flight.

Kathy, Bellville Texas
www.ChickenTrackin.com