Massive Rant

[WendiJean]

One more thought - is your run secure enough to keep your chickens in for awhile until the issue is resolved? If (when) the pups come back, is your run strong enough to keep them out?

they are free range, no run, just a coop they stay in at night

 

[herfrds]

First thing you should do is file a report with your local law enforcement. Get a record of these people not containing their dogs. second keep your camera handy. A picture is worth a thousand words.
Third do not bother taking them to the pound they might be chipped and if they are the pound checks for them and you will be the bad guy then.
Fourth do you have a fence around your property? I know they are free ranging I'm talking property line.
Fifth bird shot in a .22 or a paint ball gun or talk to a local trapper. Some of those guys have some really smelly stuff they use for bait. A 50cc syringe full of something smelly can be shot on those dogs.
If there is animal control in your area get them involved too.

Was your chicken killed?

 

[WendiJean]

Well I think I got a head count of my chickies, and they all seem to be there, I thought my Americana or my polish chicken was a goner, but they seem OK, although I am absolutly going to take pictures of her hind end, which has absolutly no feathers left. I have no idea how she managed not to get eaten because I saw her in the dogs mouth as the dog chomped, but I guess the dog let go before real damage was done, so thats good.
Thanks for the camera idea!
And there is an electric cattle fence around the property, but they are coming through the neighbors barn and into our lot throught the field do not much I can do there.

 

[Ibicella]

Rule of thumb, if you are going to shoot something, shoot to kill.

Pellet guns, BB guns, or paint ball guns will likely end up with you in a really nasty feud with your neighbors as well as a hefty fine for animal cruelty.

Definitely call Animal Control or the police. Even if they can't/don't do anything, they have to make a report. Do that every time you see these dogs.

Get a game camera, and start writing down dates, times, what happened, who you spoke with, and so on. Get the name of the woman. Get the name of any officers you speak with. Be as detailed as possible.

This way, you're going to be protected by law.

Check with your county about discharging firearms in your area and make sure it's okay. Write down who you spoke with, date, time, and what was said.

Okay, that said, congratulations on your new baby, and I hope you can get some much needed rest from now on!

 

[sourland]

Rule of thumb, if you are going to shoot something, shoot to kill.

Pellet guns, BB guns, or paint ball guns will likely end up with you in a really nasty feud with your neighbors as well as a hefty fine for animal cruelty.

Definitely call Animal Control or the police. Even if they can't/don't do anything, they have to make a report. Do that every time you see these dogs.

Get a game camera, and start writing down dates, times, what happened, who you spoke with, and so on. Get the name of the woman. Get the name of any officers you speak with. Be as detailed as possible.

This way, you're going to be protected by law.

Check with your county about discharging firearms in your area and make sure it's okay. Write down who you spoke with, date, time, and what was said.

Okay, that said, congratulations on your new baby, and I hope you can get some much needed rest from now on!

All of this is excellent advice, plus I agree that you should rest and enjoy that new baby.

 

[moetrout]

thanks I am!

LOL, the stinky thing is an awesome idea, to bad they dont sell skunk in a can!



Ah! But they do!

http://www.fntpost.com/Products/Tinctured+Skunk+Essence

I wouldn't get any on ya, you might just want to gnaw your hand off if you do! My advice after reading all the suggestions is to let your dog out on them.....if you think it will go after them. The whole thing of writing everything down, taking pics and what not will take to long and you are likely to loose chickens doing that. Your own dog would be the least lethal, but fastest solution. If that doesn't work.....I personally would shoot. I am a dog lover and I have yet to have to shoot one, but I know for a fact it would be hard. Cats.....well not so much for me. One other thought would be to contact the sheriff and first see if you are within your rights to shoot if they are going after your chickens. The second thing is you could maybe ask them to stop by the offenders house and explain your right to shoot to them. If the sheriff doesn't want to get involved then see if you can get a print out of the law that says you can and leave it on their door step. That's a lot more than I would do, but I understand people's objection to doing hard things like shooting someones pet.

 

[RHRanch]

If you know her name, maybe next time file a report with police or animal control?

 

[Bear Foot Farm]

How will you feel if you release your dog and they kill it or severely injure it?

Call the Police and report it, then just shoot the dogs and be done with it.

Pellet guns, BB guns, paintball guns and pepper spray are not going to make much difference, and you'll still end up losing birds.

The owners obviously can't or won't control them since it's happened 3 times already.

Catching them and taking them to a shelter is NOT a good idea, and could be considered stealing , which is a Felony here.

You would also be taking the risk of being bitten.

Sometimes you just have to do what NEEDS to be done, and not let emotions cloud your judgement

 

[Hyline]

Your poor little hen, I hope she is ok!! How scary for her, poor darling. Another vote for shoot the mangy dogs, who knows they might turn on you next. Pity you couldn't get away with shooting the owner too ..

 

[wvtim]

You pepper spray a dog in the face and I will guarntee you that you will never see that dog on your property again, unless its just a really stupid dog