Neighbors dog keeps coming in our yard

[Chickmamajessica]

Hey everyone, we let our chickens free range about an hour before sunset and and hour in the morning. Our neighbor has two rather large dogs but they have an 8 foot fence. Unfortunately for us, because they wanted extra privacy they raised the fence off of the ground as much as they possibly could. So, their dogs have become escape artists and this one in particular comes into our yard often. Tonight was the first night he got some of our girls feathers (no bleeding though) and the girl was terrified and went hiding. The rest of the flock was fine and went into the coop as usual but she was on a delay. I’m grateful she DID end up finding her way back home before it was pitch black out but how do you guys handle situations like this?

 

[Chickmamajessica]

Adding that my hubby chased the dog out of our yard and I quickly got the rest of the flock in as fast as possible. Two nights ago our windows were open and the dog escaped at night and was right outside our coop before the neighbors called him back. And a few nights earlier the dog must have attempted to dig at our coop (thankful it’s predator proof).

 

[STACEYH]

I would take pictures. I would walk over and explain what happened and show them the evidence. Ask that they please keep their pets out of your beloved pets yard. If that don't work take evidence to animal control.

 

[rascal66]

Not sure on legalities, or your relationship with said neighbor, but the first step is having a friendly conversation, explaining your concerns and what has already happened, if they could kindly leash their dogs when letting them out or be out with them making sure they arent getting into your yard.

 

[rascal66]

I would take pictures. I would walk over and explain what happened and show them the evidence. Ask that they please keep their pets out of your beloved pets yard. If that don't work take evidence to animal control.

Pictures for sure!

 

[Chickmamajessica]

Not sure on legalities, or your relationship with said neighbor, but the first step is having a friendly conversation, explaining your concerns and what has already happened, if they could kindly leash their dogs when letting them out or be out with them making sure they arent getting into your yard.

We actually have a friendly relationship with them and have discussed the safety of our chickens. They made a note that when our chickens free range they go up against the fence and the chicken smell caused the dogs to be curious. They definitely don’t want their dogs to hurt our chickens and usually respond quickly if they get out. After tonight we just heard them shout “sorry!” Through their fence. To me, it’s one thing if our chickens climb into THEIR yard and the dogs get them. It’s another thing if they don’t have control of their dogs and they come into OUR yard. But my husband said that where we live, chickens aren’t protected. If a dog were to catch one it’s not their fault because it’s “in their nature”. I suppose I could ask if they would be ok with us “predator proofing” the bottom of their fence?

 

[Chickmamajessica]

I would take pictures. I would walk over and explain what happened and show them the evidence. Ask that they please keep their pets out of your beloved pets yard. If that don't work take evidence to animal control.

They are well aware that it happens. They are usually on top of things when their dogs get out and are responsive within seconds. Only problem is that dogs can do a lot of damage by the time their owners are able to retrieve them. What would animal control do? Where I live, my husband said chickens are protected if a dog gets to them
Because “it’s in their nature”.

 

[STACEYH]

WOW. I would ask them to fix the issue first. I would also call animal control and ask about dogs at large and how you can handle the issue.

 

[Iluveggers]

Maybe ask if they would be willing to add hardware cloth to the bottom of their fence so the dogs can’t get under?

 

[STACEYH]

Animal control differs by state so you should call ask about your rights. Here I have the right to catch the dog and take it or have animal control pick it up. It is my right not to have their animal running loose in my yard.