How much compensation for a chicken?

[kcallis]

I have had two chickens killed in the last two weeks and my third severely injured (I only had three). I found not one, but two dogs in my backyard today (from two doors down). They jumped the fence like it wasn't even there! I have taken pictures of them and plan to confront the neighbors this evening. I want to ask for compensation, but I'm not sure how much. Of course my two girls were my pets and I loved them, but they also provided us eggs. They were only 8 months old, so they had only been laying for about 3 months. We feel we put a lot of time, effort and money into raising them and now we have to do it all over again. How much do you suggest I should ask in compensation? The dogs also injured my third chicken which has taken two weeks of constant care to get her better. I've had to give her a lot of antibiotics and keep her inside in a clean box for two weeks (and she hasn't laid since she got injured). Should I ask for compensation for her too?

Thanks for the advice!
Kris

 

[greyfields]

I'm trying to think of a fair way to calculate this, as you would be surprised how many times I've been asked this question.

To replace a pullet with a point-of-lay pullet: $15 + shipping (hatcheries generally have PoL sex linked pullets for sale)

Replacement cost on your dead pullets: 3 x cost of acquisition, including shipping

Lost Costs in feeding the pullets to 8 months: 2/3 of a year X 3 pullets X 1/3 lb feed per day X cost of feed per pound

Exhausted materials: electricity for brooder, brooder bedding, insurance?

Lost production: assume a 3 year laying span for the pullets, during which time you should have gotten roughly 600 eggs per year, so you lost 1800 eggs at the cost / dozen you see locally

Sum it all up and that's your basis for negotiation. You could always take them to small claims court as well, and a judge would very likely agree with the methodology above. Don't get greedy and try to add punitive or emotional damages, as in most states the loss of pets and livestock is exempt for emotional and punitive claims.

 

[basicliving]

Kcallis - I am SO sorry about your hens. I can't imagine how awful it must be to basically lose your entire flock.

I think the formula Greyfields gave you is an excellent one.

Did you actually see the dogs kill/maim your chickens? While you may be right that those dogs particular dogs did it, if you didn't SEE them do it, or have witnesses that did, you probably wouldn't stand much of a chance in court with it if the owners deny it and fight you on it.

I'm really sorry you're going through this. I know I sure would be angry and upset.

Penny

 

[kcallis]

I have an eye witness (another neighbor) for the second killing, but not the first one.

 

[basicliving]

Hopefully the neighbor will realize how irresponsible he is to let his dogs run free and do the right thing by compensating you and keeping his dogs contained.

Please let us know how it turns out.

Best of luck,
Penny

 

[Quail_Antwerp]

Our neighbors dog got loose twice now...Thankfully our neighbor was really nice. Not all neighbors are. I am also thankful his dog didn't get any of my livestock, chickens etc.

The first thing the neighbors asked us was if he had tore anything up or harmed any of our animals. He seemed genuinely concerned. We told them no, he was just sniffing around and we just went out and called him quickly.

They really appreciated us returning him and they asked us to let them know if we find anything tore up or birds missing.

 

[MissPrissy]

First - call your local sherriff dept and file a complaint against the neighbors due to the dogs. Use your photos, the replacement cost of your chickens etc as part of the materials you give to the officer taking the report.

Second - talk to the neighbors and if they are less than cooperative push with all your might to have something done about the dogs.

If they fail to secure their dogs, which are now known killers, they can be held liable. It would not surprise me to find those dogs have killed other things in the area.

Prey drives can be very strong and while the act isn't always malicious and a ferocious dog act many dogs find the fowl to be like squeaky toys and they 'play' with them and loose interest once they have killed them.

Sorry for your loss.

 

[the1much]

im with greyfields,,,,i think ideal gets $15 for a pullet and charges $49 to ship that pullet,, then count the eggs, your lost food, and how much it will cost you for a whole chicken at the store, cause you was gonna eat her when her production dropped

 

[greyfields]

Unfortunately, where I live, it's not 'criminal' to allow your dogs to go to your neighbor's and eat their chickens. You can call the sheriff who'll show up, note the incident, then tell you that all you can do is sue them. You'll certainly win, but it's a fart-on to deal with.

The best proof, though, is to shoot the dogs in the act so there is no doubt. I don't enjoy harming someone's pets, but chicken killers don't suddenly give-up the hobby. A photo of your 100 dead chickens with a dead dog in the middle makes it an open/shut case.

I always keep a rifle loaded here. for as much problems the coyotes have caused me, a domestic dog could do 10X the damage very quickly.