Neighbor dog killed all 6 of our backyard chickens

[AtHomeDaddy]

OK, I am officially giving the Pyr the benefit of a doubt.

Right after I typed that last entry, I went back out to look the yard over. I found a spot where a fence picket has been yanked off the fence by the neighbor's dog. The dog, who is small enough to fit though that hole, might have come in and had a free chicken meal.

Looks like the neighbor tried to replace the picket and barricade the hole. Sje probably doesn't even have a clue that the dog(s) went after the chicks.

The neighbor's dogs have always paid a lot of attention to the chickens, and before we got chickens they used to pull pickets loose from the fence to come over and visit our Pyrs. I though I had screwed all of the pickets onto the fence, but it looks like maybe her girls got one loose again.

And I am sure that Kodak would have just played chase the puppy around if Lucy came for a visit.

Pyr, officially off the hook in 3...2...1

 

[horsechick]

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Goodbye family dog......

 

[conroy]

Sounds to me like you found your culprit. I guess you need to figure a way to keep the neighbor's dog out of your yard before you get your new chicks.

 

[AtHomeDaddy]

Not a chance in heck of that happening.

Even if I could never have another chicken for the rest of his lifetime.

HE was here first.

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[Pupsnpullets]

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I don't know for sure, but after watching that video I'm not even slightly convinced that that dog could be trusted around my chickens. Mmm .... ?? Nope, don't trust that dog.

 

[countryboy]

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I don't know for sure, but after watching that video I'm not even slightly convinced that that dog could be trusted around my chickens. Mmm .... ?? Nope, don't trust that dog.

It's his methods for training and control I am impressed with not that dog, also seems AtHomeDaddies dog didn't do it after all.

 

[Biddieacres]

If you are sure it was your neighbors dog, maybe you can line that portion of the 6 foot privacy fence with poultry wire. That way if he breaks another picket he will run into wire. You could even dig a small trench and bury the wire down a bit in case he is a digging dog.

How long is the fence bordering the neighbors dog? If it isn't too long, it might not be too costly and would give you the peace of mind that you and your family need. That way your one little hen won't be lonely and your kids can begin to help care for some new chicks and heal from the loss.

Another option would be to have the kids help build a small run off the side of your coop and the new chicks will get used to being in the run/coop all day and well protected.

Your dog might be moping because she/he is sad as well. (especially if he is not the culprit). Sorry to hear of your loss. It is very sad and must have been tragic to find all of the chicks you have been caring for.

 

[gamebirdsonly]

Trust no dog around birds. I finally had to get rid of one my dogs because she had killed to many.

 

[WriterofWords]

If there was no blood on the Pyr he didn't do it. There is no way for him to clean blood off a white coat and if he did chew them he would have blood under his chin where he can't get to it.

 

[SterlingAcres]

If your neighbors dogs have been to visit before and the fence is broken again, chances are very high that it was one of them instead.
I second WoW's response. No evidence means your pyr is innocent.

I'm sorry for your loss.