Lost My Trio

[Jenski]

Sorry about your chickens. Were they locked in the coop for the night? If not, it's only a matter of time before something furred or feathered cruises by and tries to grab a midnight snack. Mine are locked up every night, no exceptions. I have no doubt that even in my subdivision there are plenty of preds out every night that I am not aware of.

What kind of fencing? I recommend 1/2" hardware cloth for the run. Good luck with the next batch of chicks!

 

[horsejody]

Sorry for your loss.

Make sure that all of your dog owning neighbors are aware that you have chickens and that there was a dog attack. Hopefully, whoever owns the culprit may keep them in. A long time ago we gave all of our neighbors a warning. It worked for everybody but one. That particualr neighbor has a court date next month his dog crimes. If you don't free range your birds, you could reenforce your run, but a determined dog can get through quite a bit. Once we had a rabbit cage made of some pretty substantial stuff. A dog (different dog - same stupid owner) actually pawed and chewed until it got through. I have a friend with a border collie that actually severely damaged her teeth gnawing through a fence. An electric wire may be helpful. A shot gun even more helpful. I am at the point of zero tolerance. Dogs roaming on my property will be dead dogs. Unfortunately, it is not possible to keep an armed patrol on watch 24/7.

If you are friendly and well acquainted with your neighbors, call them and tell them about the dog attack. If you are not, send a letter to them. It can be friendly and civil. This is how I put it to my neighbors many years ago:

Dear Neighbors,

I just wanted to let you know that if you hear a shotgun being fired do not be alarmed. We have recently purchased a gun and will be practicing with it. Unfortunately, roaming dogs have been entering our property and harrassing/killing the livestock. We cannot afford to lose our animals to these dogs. All roaming dogs, regardless of breed or ownership, on our property will be shot. We just wanted to inform you that there will be some noise from the target practice.

Sincerely,
Me

This tactic worked with every neighbor but one. They moved in after this letter, but they were given plenty of warning. Warn your neighbors, and take action if they do not heed.

BTW I am looking forward to seeing pictures of the new babies.

 

[D&D Mc Chicken]

Here is a Picture of the 5 New chicks.

I had my trio in a coop and run connected together. The dog broke the Fencing away from the coop and got in. The run fence is chain link, but I had some 2 inch wire connecting the coop to the run.

I plan to pit wire bottom throughout the run and also use an electric fence... this seems to be the recommended way.

I have never locked them in for the night... This happened during the day. I have a real small hole for the chickens to enter and leave the coop. I have always just left it open, seems like not a factor in this incident.

 

[DDRanch]

Oh, I am so sorry to hear about your losses. You new babies are precious.

Anne

 

[HorseFeathers]

D&D Mc Chicken :

...with wire floor and top

Don't use a wire floor. Bury wire vertically (I believe going a foot or so down) to discourage diggers.
And also, clear plastic roofing (don't remember what it's called) works great. Discourages hawks, lets in light, keeps out rain, and snow slides right off! Chickens hate snow.

So sorry for your loss but

to the most awesome friendly forum community on Earth!​

 

[gckiddhouse]

Quote:
D&D, and Pullet2hen, We are sooo feeling both your losses!

We just lost 2 hens to a coyote attack in the middle of the day while we were all here. We had to chase the coyote away. I just posted about it today. https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=115947

Those darn predators. I guess they are just hungry. But dogs are well fed by their owners (presumably) and there is no excuse for them getting out and terrorizing the neighborhood.

We keep a gun by the door at all times. Ain't that the way it should be?

Good luck with your new babies.

Ours were ranging in the yard when the coyote came, but at night they are in a chain link dog run with chain link and wood top. We have large logs and rocks around the outside to prevent digging, which the coyotes will do!!

Don't know how to keep them from jumping the 6 foot fence. Any suggestions?