my girls are no longer free range

[speckledhen]

We usually prefer to use pepper spray on the dogs--we live in an area where some people try to--I'll put it as they did--"let 'em [the dogs] roam free" We, too, live in the woods, so fencing is not an option. We've had only one incident--feather losses but no death. Do you have a dog? If so, can it be trained to bark like crazy at intruding neighbor dogs? This would alert you to the dogs and distract the dogs from the chickens.

earlybird, we live in the woods, on a small mountain. We used livestock fencing, one 330 ft roll at a time as we could afford it with the steel U posts, stringing it through the woods a few feet inside the property line. It can be done, trust me. We had to do it, to keep our birds in as well as predators out; there was no other choice.

Even with all this fencing, we still have had issues with neighbor's dogs, if you want to read about them, I'm posting the link to the thread--amazing how human beings can''t keep track of one lone canine. Boggles the mind. Here's my thread:
https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/385404/trapped-a-neighbors-dog-on-my-deck-got-an-earful

The only neighbors near me both put up chainlink fencing for their dogs and NEITHER of them keep their dogs in those fences. Just saw the dog who is the subject of my posted thread at my open driveway gate a few days ago, as I was out watching a hen with her chicks. Thankfully, I was able to call my DH to close the gate quickly.

 

[nellynelly]

unfrozen paint balls would hurt, and also be a visible mark for the owners. maybe

you can always try rock salt, for a non lethal deterrent.

 

[earlybird10842]

Quote: It's possible, but it would be too big of an undertaking for us. I should have phrased that differently.

The thing is, dogs get loose on our road then pack together and raid chicken coops and other livestock. We never lost any birds, but we came close to having one get lost deep into the woods where she couldn't find her way back. The dog thing doesn't happen too often anymore now that the dogs that were being allowed to roam free dissappeared--we think it was preadators.

 

[speckledhen]

Quote: Could be-I've been hearing a coyote pack around here the last few months at night, for the first time since we moved here 11 years ago. Haven't seen any stray cats lately, interestingly enough.

 

[jak2002003]

Could be-I've been hearing a coyote pack around here the last few months at night, for the first time since we moved here 11 years ago. Haven't seen any stray cats lately, interestingly enough.

Thats one good thing a coyote is good for. I like cats, dogs, etc, but used to have huge problem with feral cats killing my aviary birds and quail... and also using my patio and garden as a toilet......

The problem with the cats is they keep breeding like crazy.

 

[joan1708]

I like the paintball idea. It will give the dog a chance to smarten up. If not, and it comes around again, you might have to shoot it. You can't trap it and send it to animal control can you?

 

[Mattemma]

A fence is a good idea.I have one around my entire back yard,but fence off spots for them.You should get rid of roamers.
I do not tolerate any animals in my yard,or even yapping along my fence line.

 

[shmccarthy]

I would never modify the way I live on my property, and spend my money to accomodate an irresponsible dog owner. If it were me, that dog would be dead or straight to the pound.

 

[Fentress]

Switch systems. Use moveable coops and electric net fencing. I have been using the netting for over a year and zero losses from four legged predators. Hawks are a different story, though they have not been that bad. Even though I move my flock and keep them on fresh grass, they are still not satisfied, they love to get out and roam the entire property, which I let them do about 3 days a week. Fortunately, my neighbors do a good job with their dogs.

 

[ken-t]

one of my neighbors dog killed my other neighbors chickens (4) so they took them to court and was awarded $40.00 each for them. they keep they're dogs home now.