Warning to newbies

[Plain Old Dee]

Sounds like your neighbors are trying to do the right thing. Too bad they didn't try to do the right thing by their dog before it killed your girls. The dog may actually be a very sweet dog - as far as people are concerned. It will likely make some family a lovely pet - as long as the dog is kept in a securely fenced yard.

We lost our whole flock of 60 hens several years ago - to a neighbor's two collie pups. They were such sweet natured, people friendly dogs, but they killed all of my hens within two hours (I was at the grocery store and the hens were in their pen - the dogs broke down the gate). Turns out they were also chasing cattle. The neighbors got rid of the dogs - took them to the pound. They offered to pay for my hens, but I was just so heartsick (and they were low income) that I just had them clean up the mess. I thought about getting more hens, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it until recently.

 

[dntd]

Personally I don't get attatched to my food,just kidding. Sorry about your hens. Dogs that attack other animals like chickens have always been around ,that's why we have to get dog licenses they were origanally a form of insurance in case that happened, it doesn't make them a bad dog just a bad owner. The dog should get rehomed not distroyed if possible.

 

[Sillystunt]

Quote:
well i have to say,"that was really nice of them to give you that check!" most wouldn't even after it went to court.

Yes, they will let people know if they adopt and dogs do this. It isn't uncommon or unusual for a dog to be a dog. That saying goes from one extreme to another since some kill for play and some kill cause they are just killers. Regardless it doesn't make you feel better or bring back your hens. I am very lucky my dog loves my chickens and know it could have been the other way. Just be thankful it is gone and can't come back.

 

[Darlasmum]

Jany- I am so sorry to hear of the loss of your kids. I does sound like the neighbors are making good amends. Its too bad their property wasnt secured to keep their dog in. Lesson learned i guess.

 

[SilverPhoenix]

So sorry for your losses.

I lost some chickens that way years ago when all my chickens were free-roaming and it was very sad...

I do allow myself to get very attached to my chickens (after all, the reason I keep my flock is for pet and ornamental purposes), but I also have a predator-proof coop, keep a careful eye on my birds when they're free ranging, and the majority of my birds make it to old age. That said, of course things do happen sometimes, and we do occasionally have to face the heartbreak of losing our birds. I lost two hens this year to heat stroke, and it was devastating. I'm still not over it because I didn't expect it to happen and I really loved those hens. It's easier losing birds to old age, because then I know they had a long, happy life.

I don't think it's necessarily a reason to not allow oneself to get attached. Yes, it's sad to lose them, but it's also satisfying to love them.

 

[Akane]

Both my dogs and pretty much their entire breed would kill chickens. It doesn't mean they don't make wonderful dogs. It means you have to make sure they don't wander off unsupervised. Mine and the dogs of both breeders I got them from are never allowed outside a fence off a leash. Most dogs who haven't been around and then been told not to chase birds will and many of them will then injure them if they catch them. Well over half the dogs in existence would be killed if you couldn't find them good homes just because they'd go after chickens. Plenty would make wonderful obedient pets. Dogs just evolved to hunt and kill smaller prey. You can lessen that instinct through breeding and training but you can't get rid of it. The dog isn't bad. The owner just shouldn't have a dog.