Neighbor's dog killed hen - how to stay on good terms?

[El-kevo]

Discuss the seriousness of the offense with neighbor.
Even though you are mad and legally owed, you let it go this time because the owner probably wasn't aware of the dog's abilities. Come up with an agreement now incase theres a next time this happens. Establish a value of the hen that's slightly inflated from standard in exchange for not calling the city on the dog being out without a leash. If they question it too much, remind them that city ordinances allow you to protect your pets with a rifle or gun and you'd be happy to pay her $5 for a craigslist puppy (completely ignoring the sentimental value, relationship, breed, age, value, and training)

 

[IZZYBELLA]

I'm sorry to hear this happened to you... awful! This has happened three times that I know of in our neighborhood (thankfully not to me, but it's a major reason I sadly don't free range). Once the chicken owner presented the dog owner with a $250 bill. They got laughed at (you know the whole "it's just a chicken" thing. Grrr). The other two times nothing was done.

It sucks because maintaining good terms with the neighbors is really important but at the same time it's your yard and that was an awful death for your chicken! It does sounds like they are making an effort with the electric fence and at least they are willing to even replace the chicken. (None of our neighbors have even offered that much when their dogs killed!) I know many dogs that have crazy prey drives who respond very well to the electric fence, so hopefully that will actually work! I would have a serious conversation and let them know that this is more than a chicken and explain the time, expense, etc. and say that if it happens again you will be calling the police (or whatever you decide is appropriate).

 

[Run Wild]

I would keep your chickens locked up until you decide how you will protect your flock from the dog, because now that he's had one he will definitely be back for more.

I'm sorry for your loss, I know how hard it can be to lose a hen to someone's pet dog

 

[Cindy in PA]

Keep in mind "protecting your livestock" laws only apply if you make a certain portion of your income from them, in many locations.

 

[TominWa]

I own a dog, a rather large dog. It is my responsibility to control my dog. Not my neighbors. If my dog is on their property and does damage.....I would expect a one time courtesy call, after that and I continue to allow my dog to terrorize the neighborhood.....I would fully expect my neighbor to protect his property and livestock....by any means necessary.

Of course the same thing works both ways. If my chickens wander onto a neighbors property and their dog kills them, that is my fault for allowing my livestock onto their property.

Good fences make good neighbors.

 

[TinyBirds]

Agree!!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

People who own dogs with out erecting a containment boundary such as a fence or a kennel, are irresponsible and inconsiderate.
I have neighbors who are just to plain lazy to shut their gates and let their large dogs free range the neighborhood. our property is completely fenced. Our dogs are not only trained, but are livestock friendly because we work with them. Our dogs can roam
with our pigs, goats, turkeys and chickens. Several dogs from down the road have charged our fence line. Here in our County, Animal Control has informed us we may shoot the K-9 if he makes it on to our property. Which we hope it will never happen
but we are also prepared on the same token.
Owning a dog is not only just opening a can of food here and there. You are completely responsible for it actions.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

My dogs also roam with my goats and chickens, but they have been trained diligently. Any other animal makes it onto the property is a different story.

Also @bethadee even though you may not want to keep your chickens contained, sadly you may have to. Even chickens locked in a coop and run will be better than the atrocious conditions that are inherent to the poultry industry (we call it Big Chicken). Maybe we should discuss some of those alternatives in addition to how to deal with the neighbors...

Maybe portable electric netting with solar charger is a good idea? It works very well for people who don't have issues with the chickens flying over. Maybe even ask the neighbor to pay half as a secondary defense against their *probably* ineffective E fence of their own. Your neighbors *should* want to maintain good relations as well.

 

[bethadee]

Thank you so much everyone for your support and great solutions. I really appreciate all of you taking the time to empathize with me and offer such specific actionable paths forward. Having a place to vent my frustrations has really helped me cool off and look at the situation more objectively.

Although in an ideal world they would get a real fence (like I have for my dogs), it's just not something they are willing to do. A couple of you iterated what is ultimately true, which is that the only thing I can do to be certain my birds are safe is to protect them myself. I'm going to extend my dog fence to include the coop. It's going to be a large expense, but will give me the peace of mind I need to not hate my neighbors whenever my birds are out. It will also help to prevent losses from other predators, so that's a bonus. It's a small price to pay to stay on friendly terms with the people I'm going to see for the next 30 years. Thanks again for all the support. My partner is not a chicken person so can only offer so much, but you guys really understand how losing a chicken can really fire up a lot of emotions.

 

[bethadee]

@bethadee

I have some hatchery stock. But worked very hard to get certain breeds even driving 3+ hours each way in my gas guzzling suburban where we have *almost* the highest gas prices in the continental US. And yes, put tons of time and care into them. In no way, shape, or form would I ever be satisfied to replace my healthy, hardy, well bred hen with a **** leghorn (or any other breed that might have been mis-sexed and end up being a rooster 5 months from now) CHICK from the hatchery/feed store. You can't even raise a single chick happily. Also, hatching eggs go for much more than eating eggs, though it doesn't sound like you have a rooster.

YES my thoughts exactly about the leghorn. UGH! I lost my rooster just 2 weeks ago to a fox. He bravely faced the fox and got it to drop the hen that was in his teeth. I would have loved to have seen the dog face my rooster. His spurs were 6 inches long! I'm in the market for a new one, but the right roo is even harder to find then a good layer. Thanks so much for your long, thoughtful response. Venting has been so therapeutic!