Topic: Trying to make my garden safe for new chickens

[Henny Penny]

During the recent storms, 4 terrier dogs tunnelled up into my garden from another property and killed my chooks. The owner uses the dogs for hunting and I'm paranoid that they will come back. I have a 6 foot high run made of chickenwire with a foot of this dug underground and other "deterrents" dug into it as well. Is there anything else I could do?

[kt.]

I know its not the same but 2 things:

The dog owner should replace the chicks, why should you be out of pocket.
2nd: If the neighbouring dog owner is another plot holder it should be reported to the committee along with a demand from yourself for his dogs to be banned from the site along with reasons why. If they dont deal with the situation appropriatley then report the matter to your local council.

[emmy1978]

I agree with kt, if your chooks are on the lottie site, the dogs should be banned, and the owner should pay for new chooks. If it's your neighbour at home then things might not be so simple. If he uses those dogs for hunting then surely they should be kept away from other animals and children all the time?
 It sounds like you have pretty good security for your chooks, unless you went another foot underground, I don't see what else you can do to protect them. I remember on tales from river cottage Hugh FW built a crazy chook house on stilts and chooks had to be taught to climb fox proof ladder. Seem to remember they learned quite quickly. I'll have a look on t'internet for it.  :) Emmy

[saddad]

Even if it is a home neighbour you could ask for recompense and if not forthcoming use the small claims court..
 :-\

[cornykev]

Shoot the dogs. >:(

[emmy1978]

 ;D ;D ;D I do love your way of loking at the world CK!  :P

[Barnowl]

I've heard that instead of burying the bottom of the wire straight down, it works better to bury it outwards from the fence?

Perhaps you could borrow an electric fence (the type for livestock) -  one zap and a dog wont go near it again.

[Columbus]

you might want to speak to the dog warden at your local council.

They might decide to have a chew on you next time.

  >:(

Col

[cornykev]

Never liked them and they have never liked me Emmy. ;D ;D ;D

[emmy1978]

Glad you could understand stupid spelling!  :P