predator or neighbor taking my chickens?

[birds4kids]

Game cameras are fun to have in the yard just to see what else comes and goes so look at it as something more than chicken security.
If you get a neighbor on film I would drop copies at their front door and the police station.

 

[funnyfarmmom]

We have an ongoing battle with Raccoons, Skunks, you name it. Birds vanishing during the night. We live trap, ect. On a whim I purchased the "predator eyes" solar light. Its basically a blinking red light that comes on at dusk, placed at predators eye level. NO attempts (scratching at fence line, prints ect) OR any caught in traps/no bird losses. Have used them two weeks so far. Cant believe something so simple seems to work well. Does not work with cats, only night predators. We are going to install electric fencing as well. I will use anything that works,probably not fail safe, but helps. Thought I would pass it along. Bought from Amazon a set of two. About $15

Hmmm I'll have to look into that. Thanks! No more disappearances since hubby installed the lock, but that doesnt really mean anything since we went 2 months between disappearances before.

 

[funnyfarmmom]

Update

So we have the predator eyes thing on order, but it hasnt gotten here yet. This morning I went to hang laundry on the line and one of my neighbors rottweiler was standing there with one of my BSL's in its mouth. I started screaming and the dog took off back toward home dragging my hen by the wing. My girl was sqawking and screaming the whole way. My 2 teenagers took off after the dog and once they got in the dogs yard it dropped my hen and came up to them wanting petted. My daughter scooped up the hen and ran home, my son banged on the peoples door but they wont answer. Both their cars are in the drive and their tv is on. Anyway, we checked the hen over and didnt find any wounds, but shes now hiding in the darkest corner of the coop and wont come out. I found a hole under the very far corner of the fence. The kids and I took large landscaping rocks and lined both sides of the fence several layers high, but i dont know if it will help. I already had to run the dog off once more while we were doing that. Im hoping my girl is ok.

 

[chiques chicks]

Not sure of your set up, but if you can, lay about two feet of fencing flat on the ground around the entire coop and run and attach it to the run and coop. This should deter digging animals. If layed flat and held down until the grad grows through it, it will basically disappear. 2x4 welded wire should work.

 

[funnyfarmmom]

Thank you! I just happen to have enough fencing here to do that. Kids and I will start on it this afternoon

 

[Kraftcrazychick]

I am not sure if this will help at all but have you had a chance to talk to the neighbor? The dog is their responsibility and should not come onto your property.

 

[amymae1100]

If a rottweiler came in my yard it would be dead. I have a four year old daughter so i don't take any chances. Your are going to have to chat with your neighbors because that dog should not be in your yard at any time, especially not killing your animals!

 

[Ol Grey Mare]

If a rottweiler came in my yard it would be dead. I have a four year old daughter so i don't take any chances. Your are going to have to chat with your neighbors because that dog should not be in your yard at any time, especially not killing your animals!

FWIW, to be justified the dog would need to do more than simply "come in your yard" . For curiosity's sake, is it just rottweilers you feel would put your child in danger and, if so, why?

 

[WthrLady]

If a rottweiler came in my yard it would be dead. I have a four year old daughter so i don't take any chances. Your are going to have to chat with your neighbors because that dog should not be in your yard at any time, especially not killing your animals!

I agree! Unacceptable. I'd be calling local law and animal control on this one. Caught in the act!

 

[funnyfarmmom]

I am not sure if this will help at all but have you had a chance to talk to the neighbor? The dog is their responsibility and should not come onto your property.

No. They wont answer their door. My son tried when he and my daughter first retrieved the hen, then I went over just a few minutes ago. Someone peeked out the blinds at me but wont open the door. I wanted to call the sheriff and let them deal with it, but hubby was home at lunch and said not to. He told me to just do whatever I can to make the run more secure and he will take care of the dog problem. We also have rabbits and small children. If the dog will take off with a full grown chicken whats going to stop it from grabbing at one of my little ones?