Maine

[Tnic]

Had to chase that dog . Question: do the feathers grow back?

Were it me, that dog(s) would be suffering from high velocity lead poisoning. The subsonic .22LR variety.

IIRC the neighbors were told about this several times already. If "Rover" can't stay home then he'd simply disappear one day and I'd never breath a word of it. If confronted, "Sorry, I thought it was a coyote."

As Joel Salatin said in some of his seminars, "repeat offenders we "take of it".



Don't chickens molt every year? If so I'd anticipate new feathers growing in then, maybe...I know nothing of course.

 

[suzMEchicks]

Thanks for input everyone. I have lived in this neighborhood for 37 years. There are a few new families who have come in the last 5 years or so that are just really bad neighbors. The dog officer is going to get very sick of me but it's the only way to get anything done.

 

[Heatherschix]

Heatherschix you made me think: maybe they don't know ! I will ask them to come over and see the harm that comes to the chickens and if they see it for themselves, maybe they will understand. In the meantime I will start modifying the run tomorrow

Good, they should defiantly know whats going on....good luck.

 

[islandgirl82]

Thanks for input everyone. I have lived in this neighborhood for 37 years. There are a few new families who have come in the last 5 years or so that are just really bad neighbors. The dog officer is going to get very sick of me but it's the only way to get anything done.

Well, hopefully they'll be inspired to take their job more seriously if they're getting called so much, especially if/when they see what's happened to your girls. Regardless of whether animal control actually sees what happened, your neighbors should.

 

[lazy gardener]

As hard nosed as it is, I agree with Joel's philosophy. Second chance, perhaps, depending on owner's ownership of the problem. Third chance, NEVER. We have become a society where the criminal has more rights than his victims.

 

[Tnic]

As hard nosed as it is, I agree with Joel's philosophy. Second chance, perhaps, depending on owner's ownership of the problem. Third chance, NEVER. We have become a society where the criminal has more rights than his victims.

Agree its harsh, but when it comes to providing for the family it may be required at times. In my mind its no different than pesky rats or other wild predators that need controlling.

And yes, shooting the neighbor's dog could start a real turd storm, which is why I mentioned subsonic (ie; really quiet) ammo. If suppressors are allowed in your State I'd have one of those mounted on the trusty critter gitter as well. The only sound will be the click of the pin striking the primer.

And lets remember that even in the countryside pet containment (leash laws) still apply. Animal Control is a good start, but if it becomes obvious that the owners aren't going to take the required action to control Rover's wanderings then "harsh" and "taking care of it" may be the only recourse.

 

[suzMEchicks]

I agree with you all . I don't think I 'm allowed to shoot guns in this neighborhood. Too many children. I really felt like giving up. I've wanted chickens for years and it makes me feel good that I can share my beautiful eggs with my kids and grandkids. Especially Josie who is autistic and its one of the only things she will consistently eat. So I won't give up. As a matter of fact, I think I will up the game and am considering meat chickens next spring.

 

[suzMEchicks]

Tnic: what is the part about the critter gitter? That sounds interesting. I'm also being challenged by a crazy squirrel who had been trying to get in my house via the screens on the sliders. Ruined them. Has now chewed up the car mat in my new Prius when I had the trunk door up packing the car for my trip.

 

[Tnic]

ROFL!!

Critter Gitter is the afore mentioned high velocity lead launcher that you can't use in town, sadly.

Maybe THIS would work for you.

Even comes with a fishing line spool and an arrow adapter (arrows sold separately). Buy some 00 buckshot and "Bob's yer uncle". Might need some practice afor yee can drill a squirrel though.

The Deluxe Pocket Hunter

 

[lazy gardener]

Cool. Have you used one of these???? I scrolled through the video. Didn't hear the price. ????