Neighbors dog keeps coming in our yard

[Chickmamajessica]

WOW. I would ask them to fix the issue first. I would also call animal control and ask about dogs at large and how you can handle the issue.

I’m wondering if they’d be ok with adding hardware cloth to the bottom of their fence… their dogs have dug some pretty good holes almost every day to get out. But to be fair the neighbors try to fill them back up as soon as they notice.

 

[Chickmamajessica]

Maybe ask if they would be willing to add hardware cloth to the bottom of their fence so the dogs can’t get under?

The thought had crossed my mind. Maybe I can “predator proof” their fence and do an apron style like we did with our coop to ensure no digging.

 

[Chickmamajessica]

Animal control differs by state so you should call ask about your rights. Here I have the right to catch the dog and take it or have animal control pick it up. It is my right not to have their animal running loose in my yard.

I will definitely look into it. I know they were excited about our chickens and had even asked if their sons could grab some eggs from the coop once they start laying so they could cook up breakfast and have a lesson/real world experience. I truly don’t think they mean any ill will, so I don’t necessarily want to send any bad vibes to them with their dogs. But I do want to make sure we have boundaries.

 

[STACEYH]

They know that isn.t working. They should be taking different measures. landscape brick, better fencing, rock something that keeps their animal in their yard. I can not imagine they believe refilling the tunneled area is going to make it all stop. LOL

 

[3KillerBs]

But my husband said that where we live, chickens aren’t protected. If a dog were to catch one it’s not their fault because it’s “in their nature”.

This is unlikely to be true.

In most places livestock have more protection than ordinary pets.

Regardless, your neighbor has the ABSOLUTE RESPONSIBILITY to keep his dogs on his own property and you have the ABSOLUTE RIGHT to not have stray dogs invading your yard regardless of whether you are worried about your chickens or just don't want them there for any reason at all.

How about some electric wire on your side where the dogs can't miss it when they come under the fence?

 

[SCMommaHen]

I suppose I could ask if they would be ok with us “predator proofing” the bottom of their fence?

Are they adjacent to your property? It sounds like you're using their fence to protect your chickens. If so, a string of hot wire across the bottom will keep them well away from that side. But having been on both sides, animal control called on me and a neighbor's dog killing my chickens, talk to them first. But don't leave the safety of your chickens in someone else hands.

 

[Allsfairinloveandbugs]

You sound like a very good neighbor, & hopefully your neighbors are good too, just very naive. But if your neighbors say they dont want their dogs to hurt your chickens yet continually allow their dogs access, their (in)actions speak louder than their words. And based on your descriptions, the dogs Will kill your chickens; its a matter of when not if. And sadly it sounds like your husband may not greatly value the lives of your flock members either? Dont simply rely on your husbands stance, Call animal control yourself, and learn your local ordinances and your rights. Hopefully after you know your rights, your husband will be willing to back you up.

Hardware cloth dug 3 feet down or an apron 3 feet out and attached firmly to strong supports should work. Its not your responsibility to keep the neighbors dogs out of Your yard, but they wont take action you may have to. If practical, electric fence running the length of the gap may be your best solution of all.

 

[Chickmamajessica]

They know that isn.t working. They should be taking different measures. landscape brick, better fencing, rock something that keeps their animal in their yard. I can not imagine they believe refilling the tunneled area is going to make it all stop. LOL

They did try to add some wood to the bottom of it too but you’re right!

 

[Chickmamajessica]

Are they adjacent to your property? It sounds like you're using their fence to protect your chickens. If so, a string of hot wire across the bottom will keep them well away from that side. But having been on both sides, animal control called on me and a neighbor's dog killing my chickens, talk to them first. But don't leave the safety of your chickens in someone else hands.

They are, and we share a long property line with them. Would hot wire be dangerous for my toddlers to be around?

 

[Chickmamajessica]

You sound like a very good neighbor, & hopefully your neighbors are good too, just very naive. But if your neighbors say they dont want their dogs to hurt your chickens yet continually allow their dogs access, their (in)actions speak louder than their words. And based on your descriptions, the dogs Will kill your chickens; its a matter of when not if. And sadly it sounds like your husband may not greatly value the lives of your flock members either? Dont simply rely on your husbands stance, Call animal control yourself, and learn your local ordinances and your rights. Hopefully after you know your rights, your husband will be willing to back you up.

Hardware cloth dug 3 feet down or an apron 3 feet out and attached firmly to strong supports should work. Its not your responsibility to keep the neighbors dogs out of Your yard, but they wont take action you may have to. If practical, electric fence running the length of the gap may be your best solution of all.

That is very good advice, thank you!