Help! Neighbor's dog continues to kill chickens!

RKWSchickens

Hatching
Nov 8, 2017
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This all started a few weeks ago when we heard chicken screams coming from our neighbors backyard. When we peered over the fence we found a massacre of chickens. Our hearts broke for our neighbors, being chicken owners as well, we couldn't imagine coming home to 10 chickens peppered throughout the lawn knowing your four legged friend was the one to blame. We yelled at the dog to stop but it was no use, the damage was already done. A couple days ago this same dog managed to get into our backyard and kill all but one of our chickens.
What can be done about this dog??

The one we have left looks to be intact and is showing minimal signs of attack but we can't get her to eat or drink. This attack happened 3 days ago and she has since refused to eat or drink. We have forced some water via syringe. She was attacked in the afternoon and laid an egg by that same evening, my partner and I thought this to be a good sign but she doesn't seem to be getting better. She has a swollen eye and is missing feathers around her neck. She does seem a bit weezey when she clucks.
Could she be depressed? How do I know if she's suffering and is better off joining her recently deceased sisters? Also can she survive alone? We have her inside right now because I don't know how she would do out in the coop all by herself, especially with how she has been acting.
 
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If the neighbor refuses to do anything about the dog, call animal control or your local police department and file a report... a loose dog that attacks any living creature like that is a potential danger to other animals and/or young children...

As for the hen, be careful syringing, make sure it is past the trachea hole (it is the hole in the middle of the back of her throat), put the syringe in down to her right side as that is where her esophagus is... keep her warm and in a darkened area, she is likely to be in shock... hydration is most important, but if she doesn't eat soon, you might want to look into tube feeding... getting her at least 1 companion once she recovers would be best for her... so sorry you have to go through this...
 
Oh no I feel terrible for you!
I thought we lost one of our girls yesterday and was in tears until I found her stuck under a leaf/lawn bag.

Our neighbor's dog also wandered into our yard. We caught him before he could do any damage but quickly added a fence where he got in.
Can you fence or put a barrier up to keep the dog out? Also can you talk to the neighbor?

I agree with Ravynscroft.
Report the attack if the neighbor doesn't do anything. Especially since the dog attacked chickens twice. He's probably developed a taste for chickens now, so it will take serious training to prevent future attacks.

Sounds like your hen is in shock. I would add nutridrench or electrolytes to her water to make sure whatever she drinks has maximum nutrients. If she starts eating, i would also add water to her feed so that she gets hydration that way too.

Keep us posted on how she's doing!
 
So sorry for you loss Agreed with everyone above! I'm sure you didn't think of documenting with photos of the carnage. But I would also send your neighbors a bill to replace your loss. It sounds like the dog is killing for fun, if your neighbor isn't and sounds like they won't do anything, put up an electric fence around. You really need to file a report with the Police, Animal Control & whomever else it concerns.

Hope your lone girl recovers.
 
I'm in this situation :( Two dogs that have been running around the neighborhood got into my back yard yesterday. We keep our wooden coop in a 10X10 dog kennel and they broke a couple chain links and got under the kennel :( They killed all 5 of my hens. I don't know who owns these dogs and we are in city limits so I don't think the SSS applies to us... I've called animal control. How hard do y'all think it'll be to get owner (when we find them) to pay? My oldest (and very first chickens) were 2 buff orpingtons were almost 2.. They were all laying so they have a lot of value to us...
 
Hope your hen recovers. Inspect very carefully for any punctures where the dog could have bitten her, it might not bleed, but be into an air sack near the neck. That could cause wheezing. Watch for infection, and give the chick vitamins in the water. Careful with the forcing water, and keep her warm.
Best wishes!
 
Oh @NinasNest I'm so sorry!
That's horrible! A chain link seems so secure too.

If you think they'll come back, maybe you can set up a trail cam. That way you could get photos to help ID them.

Can animal control give you any info on laws there? Or maybe you can post this on your Texas state forum & see if there's anyone in your area that can help you or knows what rights you have.

Again I am so sorry for your girls. :hugs
 
Oh @NinasNest I'm so sorry!
That's horrible! A chain link seems so secure too.

If you think they'll come back, maybe you can set up a trail cam. That way you could get photos to help ID them.

Can animal control give you any info on laws there? Or maybe you can post this on your Texas state forum & see if there's anyone in your area that can help you or knows what rights you have.

Again I am so sorry for your girls. :hugs
We have cameras in the front of the house, so I have pictures of them... I've posted in the texas thread. I got the feeling from AC that taking it into our own matters is a no no... thanks! My daughter is crushed!
 

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