Neighbor's dog attacking chickens.

[Allilang]

Dog came over again this morning but my chickens were thankfully locked up. I am in the process of putting up a quick electric fence and trying to find ways to dissuade the dog from returning.

Right now the dog has had two exciting days of chasing around chickens, so he will keep returning.

Other than the electric fence, what non lethal deterrents can I legally try? bb gun? pepper spray? maybe some product I can put down? something smelly he will roll in and bring home? Looking for any ideas.

 

[MilesFluffybutt]

Dog came over again this morning but my chickens were thankfully locked up. I am in the process of putting up a quick electric fence and trying to find ways to dissuade the dog from returning.

Right now the dog has had two exciting days of chasing around chickens, so he will keep returning.

Other than the electric fence, what non lethal deterrents can I legally try? bb gun? pepper spray? maybe some product I can put down? something smelly he will roll in and bring home? Looking for any ideas.

I have been dealing with this same issue - except, the dog has gone after me and killed several area cats. My non-lethal option is to shoot it with frozen paintballs because those hurt without penetrating the skin. If they explode, then the owner will see the paint and maybe, just maybe, he'll realize the next one might be a bullet. Anyway.....

What state are you in? Is your property legally posted against hunting, which includes hounds? If not, pop down to your town clerk's office and ask how to do that. In my state, we have to pay an annual fee of $5, fill out a form that's sent to the Fish & Wildlife Dept. It'll will provide a legal protection, if he says the dog is a on a hunt. My neighbor lied and said that and because my property wasn't posted at the time, the dog can go wherever it likes, basically. Posting the signs provides a bit of a legal protection and can prevent the owner from stepping on your property to retrieve the dog - should you catch it.

Because it is a hunting dog, you should call the police, the game wardens, and your town officials. Blow up their phones EVERYTIME the dog sets one paw on your property. Make sure to get a report from each of them. Eventually, this will start costing the owner money and should you have to use lethal methods in the future, you'll have the documentation to back up everything.

If you have to shoot the dog, call the police immediately afterward. Let them contact the owner and they'll be on hand to deal with him.

 

[Huntmaster]

Dog came over again this morning but my chickens were thankfully locked up. I am in the process of putting up a quick electric fence and trying to find ways to dissuade the dog from returning.

Right now the dog has had two exciting days of chasing around chickens, so he will keep returning.

Other than the electric fence, what non lethal deterrents can I legally try? bb gun? pepper spray? maybe some product I can put down? something smelly he will roll in and bring home? Looking for any ideas.

So sorry to hear that he came back again terrorizing your poor chickens. I live in farm country, and many have livestock we don't put up with that once maybe twice shame on owner that now doesn't have a dog. Hope things get better maybe with calling out some reinforcements like @MilesFluffybutt has stated maybe your irresponsible neighbor may change their attitude and take care of their dogs. Glad to hear he couldn't get any more of your chickens. GOOD LUCK.

 

[Allilang]

A round of buckshot would be much much cheaper than an electric fence. But I think this neighbor is the type to never accept the responsibility of his inaction. I think he would blame me for the outcome and start a neighbor war.

 

[AGeese]

My neighbor keeps about 10+ hunting hounds in kennels. Yesterday I got home to find a dead chicken next to my coup. I checked my cameras and found that the neighbor's dog escaped and killed it. I let him know, but today it escaped again. They all survived, but were much much more agitated and physically damaged than yesterday. They wouldn't come out of their hiding spots and one didn't come out until dusk. When I visited the neighbor's property, I saw they he had still done nothing to prevent the dog from escaping. It is being kept on a low deck which it can easily jump out of.

I don't want to start a neighbor war, but he has never said sorry or taken any responsibility. I was pretty close to running out with the shotgun....

Looking for advice for what to do.

You have camera footage and hopefully animal control, otherwise turn it over to a county sheriff.

 

[Krugerrand]

Something you may want to consider:
https://www.amazon.com/Foggy-Mountain-Pure-Skunk-Essence/dp/B07H8K7QDH

• PLENTY OF USES: Skunk musk is also a natural way to stop unwanted loitering or vandalism around your home or business. It is also effective at repelling stray dogs who hate skunk smell just as much as people.

Even if the neighbor isn't interested in protecting your chickens from their dog, they may be motivated to stop their dog from bringing home skunk sent.

FYI - I've never tried this. So, don't take my suggestion as an endorsement of the product or idea. ... just something to consider.

 

[mowin]

I'd first knock on neighbors door one more time and let him know this has to stop. Then I'd call the police and show them the videos. 3rd, he be getting his dog back feet first, and in most places 100% legal.

For those that say it's up to me to keep my chickens safe in my yard from the neighbors dogs is 100% wrong. It's the neighbors responsibly to keep his dog from attacking my chickens.

 

[centrarchid]

I'd first knock on neighbors door one more time and let him know this has to stop. Then I'd call the police and show them the videos. 3rd, he be getting his dog back feet first, and in most places 100% legal.

For those that say it's up to me to keep my chickens safe in my yard from the neighbors dogs is 100% wrong. It's the neighbors responsibly to keep his dog from attacking my chickens.

The chicken owner will then keep footing the bill replacing losses.

 

[mowin]

The chicken owner will then keep footing the bill replacing losses.

Dog are more expensive

 

[PhantomSlayer]

I hope you find a fix to stop the losses. I agree that finding out the laws and calling authorities and filing reports and showing any video evidence is a good step. Eventually if it continues and you keep reporting the authoritys should eventually step in.

Skunking the dog also sounds fun to lol. I've have plenty of experience growing up to having to bathe our dogs after getting legit skunked and let me say after the 2nd-3rd time it gets old and annoying. But then again if the dogs are outside dogs he may not even bathe them and just let them stink the backyard if their not being ran for a hunt. Thats just how some owners are..

I don't 100% agree with people saying its up to you to stop the losses. If the chickens are on your property they should be not be attacked by an animal that belongs to another neighbor.

I have similiar worries for when my mom and I start our first flock this spring. Our once 10 acre property is split between our house and my brothers house and just this winter my brothers dog killed a 6 of their own chickens and ducks. And they don't even free range their flock often. My mom has warned him she will shoot his dogs if they kill our flock who will be free ranging daily. And while hes family theres also our current neighbor who has atleast 2-3 dogs that once in a while are seen roaming our yard that I'm worried about. But I believe chickens will have a much better life being able to free range than keeping them cooped up despite the chance of losses. And while we will do what we can to prevent them, for those that own the animals that cause the losses I believe should pay up for those losses because their not controlling their animal.

Specially if the dogs are hunting dogs. Hunting dogs you cannot stop from chasing and killing since its their instinct and job. They won't care about fences and find a way to get to them its their drive.

You do need to check your laws on hunting dogs though. I know here it is legal for a unarmed hunter to trespass onto the property to retrieve his dogs without permission unless we object previously.

Again hope you find a way to stop the losses. Worse case post in an online local group about your issue with this man and his dog and someone may have caught the dog killing other pets/flock and with enough evidence the authorities may deem the dog as dangerous and may take it from him then he'll definitely realize how much of a issue it really is to not control his dog.