Very upset due to most of my hens killed

[jillwag1]

My flock was also attacked by random dogs that we think someone dumped in our neighborhood. One hen dead and 3 injured with deep bite wounds. One also has an injured leg. Doesn't look broken but can't put weight on it. Foot is dragging behind her and she just kind of falls over. We tried to splint it but it's not really helping. I'm trying to keep the wounds clean. Just not sure if I'm doing the right things. I have the 3 injured ones in the house to keep them from getting to dirty but it's tough. Any ideas?

 

[aart]

My flock was also attacked by random dogs that we think someone dumped in our neighborhood. One hen dead and 3 injured with deep bite wounds. One also has an injured leg. Doesn't look broken but can't put weight on it. Foot is dragging behind her and she just kind of falls over. We tried to splint it but it's not really helping. I'm trying to keep the wounds clean. Just not sure if I'm doing the right things. I have the 3 injured ones in the house to keep them from getting to dirty but it's tough. Any ideas?

Welcome to BYC!
Start a new thread in the emergency forum with all the details and pics if possible.

 

[Intheswamp]

There aren't leash laws here but there are concerning killing chickens and biting people. I do have different fencing for the new run. I will be placing hardware cloth around the lower portion of the fence. I'm thankful my young grandchildren weren't outside when this happened. I just hope the two remaining hens do ok.

A pit bull will wade right through the hardware cloth. You need some 2x4 mesh fence wire...either welded wire or woven wire...woven wire being much stronger than welded wire but also more expensive. It would be good to have the 2x4 mesh completely covering your run, but, covering the lower 3-4 feet of the run fence will help with most canines. You also should turn 18" or more (more is better) of the fencing outward at a ninety-degree angle so to form an apron to keep digging animals from going under the fence. It sounds like you must have had chicken wire as your fence which is basically good for only containing chickens, not protecting them. Next up in defense is hardware cloth for smaller predators, for big coons and dogs, though, you need the 2x4 mesh. Also, electric wire fencing is a great enhancement to a strong mesh fence.

I'm sorry that you lost your chickens. Build it strong as that dog isn't the last predator that will come by. Also, let the dog's owner pay for your new fencing...laying hens don't come cheap, nor does installed fencing.

Best wishes,
Ed

 

[Folly's place]

x2! My coop and run are built with predators in mind; thinking of two 100 lb. motivated dogs, and built for them! When bears come, I'll add serious electric. Mary

 

[lazy gardener]

I'm glad the owner of the dog has been found. Be sure you have a complete list of the cost of replacing a good laying hen. You won't accept payment based on the price of a chick. Agreed, he needs to pay all damages, including fencing, injuries to your dog and the injured person. Was a police report filed? If not, I'd recommend doing so, so there is a record if this dog is allowed to injure again.

 

[GardenWren]

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. It's never easy losing animals, especially when it happens so violently. As was already stated, I would most certainly file a police report, make an itemized list of everything that was damaged and/or injured, the estimated cost of repair/replacement and general compensation for continued treatment for those injured as a result of the attack (if applicable.) As was also said, I wouldn't accept anything less than the *full* cost of a good laying hen. I don't know what they average where you're from, but here they range anywhere between $15-$75 depending on the breed and age. Good luck moving forward.

 

[lisa920]

The local dog warden filed charges, police were called but said they didn't handle that type of issues. To my pleasant surprise both my "lucky" girls laid today! They are better than me!

 

[chelsiemom]

So sorry to hear about your poor hens. How horrible. Hope that's the last you ever see of that dog and that your remaining chickens recover. Best of luck!