Scared to free range again

[SkyBlueEmu]

Since a dog attacked my flock and killed a goose about 2 weeks ago, I haven't been able to let myself let the geese free range again. The only times they've been out of the enclosure since then have been for 1-2 hours (usually less) and have been under my supervision the entire time. They used to free range all day in the yard and sometimes they grazed in a large pen I made with chicken wire (which was made to contain them to a certain part of the yard). I know that it's better for them to graze, but I can't be there all day to watch them. I've been making up for the less grass in their diet with extra crumbles, grain, and veggies, but it's not the same as free ranging and grazing... no one seems to care that a goose was killed. They said its not like it was another dog or some other animal that was killed, but to me it is.

The dogs are back out in their broken fence. I don't think a flimsy plastic table in front of a broken gate is a very secure repair for large dogs. Supposedly, the dogs got out the other night and killed some of another person's chickens, but no definite proof it was the dogs...

Can't build another new completely enclosed and dog proof run. It's expensive, and not enough time right now to put together. It would also have to be very large (so it could provide enough grazing space) and pretty strong and tall. Their current enclosure is pretty large, but no grass is left to graze from.

I know free ranging has its risks, but I thought it was best for the geese and now I'm not sure I can free range safely again. I can't risk losing another goose, since then I would have to get another goose/gander to keep the flock balanced before breeding season starts.

Any advice? ... I guess I just needed a place to vent...

 

[Folly's place]

So sorry! Animal control should be more responsive to your concerns, and the dog owner owes for the value of the bird killed. It's necessary to have some evidence that it was that particular dog though.
Electric fencing!!! A very strong charger, and several strands of rope or wire, properly set up, will keep most land predators out. Also it's not that expensive, and not difficult to set up.
Howard E has good information and photos on this site, and premier1supplies.com is a great resource for information and supplies. Go for it!
Have you talked to the neighbor? Is it possible to manage a polite conversation with them? Sometimes it's helpful, and sometimes not.
Mary

 

[SkyBlueEmu]

So sorry! Animal control should be more responsive to your concerns, and the dog owner owes for the value of the bird killed. It's necessary to have some evidence that it was that particular dog though.
Electric fencing!!! A very strong charger, and several strands of rope or wire, properly set up, will keep most land predators out. Also it's not that expensive, and not difficult to set up.
Howard E has good information and photos on this site, and premier1supplies.com is a great resource for information and supplies. Go for it!
Have you talked to the neighbor? Is it possible to manage a polite conversation with them? Sometimes it's helpful, and sometimes not.
Mary

Thanks for the reply. I thought about electric fencing, but those dogs can jump pretty high...I'll look into electric fencing more though

I can't talk to the neighbors. I tried before, but they're still mad I called AC, even though AC didn't do anything. I called AC because they weren't home and I didn't want the dogs running loose around the neighborhood (and I didn't have a way to contact them).

 

[Folly's place]

What you do with the electric is bait it at first, as for bears. The dog, or whoever, will lick or grab the bacon strip, get a very good 'zap', run away, and probably never return. They tend to see electric wires as a 'climb through' barrier, rather than starting by jumping over it.
Sorry your neighbors are being 'unpleasant' about it all!
Mary

 

[Miss Lydia]

I'd give AC another call to and talk to someone about your worries maybe someone needs to come out and evaluate how these dogs are being kept. They are dangerous and need to be contained in the right way. If you can do electric fencing that would be great but dangerous dogs not only pose a threat to our pets[ including poultry but to us humans also] . And these neighbors need to comply before some one gets killed or mutilated whether animal or human. We hear of kids and adults both being killed by dogs.

 

[DobieLover]

I had a neighbor whose dogs kept coming over to the farm where I had my geese. One of the dogs killed my gander. My then BF told the dog owners to keep them off the property. The dogs once again came after the female but didn't get her. The BF, once again, told them to keep the dogs off the property (pretty lenient IMO). A few months later during winter, my BF caught both dogs attacking a ewe inside the barn. Both dogs died from lead poisoning.
Dog control was called out and the owners received 6 tickets: 2 for unlicensed dogs, 2 for dogs running at large and 2 for destruction of property.
I'm always shocked to hear that AC basically does nothing in other areas of the country.

 

[Folly's place]

I have spent $$ to keep my dogs at home, and if one does get out accidently, I'd be right there offering to fix or pay for any damages caused. Likewise for my horses and cattle. It's part of good animal husbandry, and being a responsible neighbor and animal owner. I likewise expect other people to do the same thing!
Mary

 

[Miss Lydia]

@SkyBlueEmu How are things going with your geese?

 

[SkyBlueEmu]

@SkyBlueEmu How are things going with your geese?

The geese are alright. I've let them out under supervision for a while each day, but I need to get the materials to build a new fence. Looking into an electric fence. The materials I used to make a large fence before were slightly damaged during the hurricane, so I've got to get some more.
The geese enjoyed their time out of the enclosure, but also seem to like it in the enclosure after I added some new toys that they seem to like. After I put that fence up asap, they can graze all day long.

 

[Miss Lydia]

Glad to hear they are safe guess that means the dogs haven’t been around.