predator or neighbor taking my chickens?

[funnyfarmmom]

Why do I love this part of the story?

Hehe. I probably wouldnt have the guts to use the rifle anyway. I know how but....

The skunk part...i will die laughing if both guys wind up sprayed

 

[chiques chicks]

I come from a long line of "I didn't ask why". Sounds like the start of a Jeff Foxworthy story.

As for the dog, you can never trust a dog around chickens, it is instinct. I do believe that dog could make someone a great companion, though. I hate seeing a good dog out down due to people's inability to properly care for it. Just ask the mutt sitting beside me.

 

[funnyfarmmom]

Hehe I think Jeff Foxworthy is a member of my family...or maybe Larry the Cable Guy .

By the time hubby came home for lunch the dog had chewed through the rope I tied her with and disappeared. Or one of the kids cut her loose. Always a possibility . She does seem like she'd make someone an awesome pet...btw I dont think she is a rott after all. I was going off the teenagers description before because I never got a good look at her face. Looks more like some type of hunting dog to me. Lots of coon hunters around here.

 

[shortgrass]

Hehe I think Jeff Foxworthy is a member of my family...or maybe Larry the Cable Guy .

By the time hubby came home for lunch the dog had chewed through the rope I tied her with and disappeared. Or one of the kids cut her loose. Always a possibility . She does seem like she'd make someone an awesome pet...btw I dont think she is a rott after all. I was going off the teenagers description before because I never got a good look at her face. Looks more like some type of hunting dog to me. Lots of coon hunters around here.

Oh I would stop at "hunting dog." Eg, labs are wonderful DUCK hunting dogs.... It was nice of you not to dispatch it, but if it was a hunting dog, it wasn't there for petting. And it will be back. I'd purchase some footvtraps. They won't kill the dog (DH caught one of my DUCKS in one grrr but duck was fine, a day of limping later)... But they will hold it until animal control can come get it. Hunting dogs are not easily "untrained" to bring the bird.

Edit: there is s large have a Hart trap if you don't want a crying dog on your property... I'm not mean, just very protective.

 

[enola]

Not to be "snarky" but. You are setting yourself for heartbreak. If this dog has had a taste of your chickens, he is going to be back. He may be the sweetest dog in the world, but he still likes to kill chickens.

CALL THE POUND THE NEXT TIME YOU GET YOUR HANDS ON HIM.

He is lucky, I would have tied him to the post and then ended his life.

HE WILL BE BACK!

 

[funnyfarmmom]

Oh Im sure she will be back...we added some more fencing after last weeks incident and so far she hasnt gotten through it. Knock on wood. We have noticed her pattern now though. She's been coming early morning right after I feed and go back in. Next time I will just bring her in the house until animal control can get here. I was just curious whether or not a dog like that can be trained not to kill. She's not mine to train anyhow.

Her face looks kind of beagle-ish with a narrow face and long pointy nose but she's bigger than a beagle.

 

[chiques chicks]

Last dog that wound up on my property ended up in the house, with a bath, a nice warm spot to lay, it's own dish....

Two days later I found its owner, the farmer over the hill.

While I love my birds (and it didn't go after them, yet) unless an animal is aggressive, or a wild predator, I tend to restrain rather than kill. Dogs get loose. Their instinct is to hunt. Especially hounds. Mine is a hound/ herding mix, tends to not bother my birds, but I also give it no chance. Leashed or chained at all times.

If needed, my 30 mile fence charger is always available to be out back in service.

 

[thomasboyle]

Before shooting the dog, what about a better fence? I deal with bears, bobcats, coyotes and foxes on a regular basis, so shooting isn't going to work unless I quit my job and give up sleeping. I have an electric net fence around my chicken yard, and in 3 years, it has kept every predator out. It will certainly keep out a Rottie. Most dogs can't resist a panicked and running chicken. I know my dogs can't resist. So I make sure the dogs and chickens never meet except on opposite sides of the electric fence. Besides, I raise Schipperkee dogs, and I am afraid my rooster will kick their butts!

 

[snow5164]

s I have an electric net fence around my chicken yard, and in 3 years, it has kept every predator out. It will certainly keep out a Besides, I raise Schipperkee dogs, and I am afraid my rooster will kick their butts!
[/quote]

What's an electric net fence??? And can I please see a picture of your dogs???

 

[thomasboyle]

The electric fence looks like a volleyball net, and has fiberglass posts built in every 8 feet or so. Each horizontal strand on the net is electrified, so you touch it, you get zapped. Very effective against all kinds of predators. The nets are sold in 50, 100 and 164' lengths. I buy mine from Premier 1 fencing. They are online. While the nets and charger are not cheap initially, they have been extremely effective in preventing predators from getting my chickens and ducks. Here is a picture of the net fence.



As for the Schipperkees, they are a great breed of dog, and are between 12-18 lbs. Here's a picture of Ronan and Leia and my nephew, and then another pic of our puppy Guinevere or Gwen for short. We are planning to have our first litter in 2016.