!!!URGENT!!! Neighbors dog killed all of my ducks. This is not the first time.

[hannnnnah]

Hello. I haven’t been online in a few months because everything was going wonderfully. My babies were nearly a year old.

Earlier today we saw my neighbors dog walking off with our male duck hanging out of its mouth.

Long story short, this the third time something like this has happened. The dog killed an entire group of chickens a few years back and then killed 2/3 of our replacements.

Our neighbors agreed to keep the dog on a shock collar and they’ve warned us once when then dog has went missing so we can keep an eye out. No issues because we were able to lock everyone up in the barn. However, today the owner knowingly let the dog run loose without a collar and now my four ducks are dead.

The last time this happened, we contacted animal control and they told us there was nothing they could do and we would have to handle it privately. Our neighbor “paid us off” with a $50 gift card and after contacting her today, she offered to pay again. However, this does not fix the issue. My pets are dead, they refuse to take responsibility for their pet, and we have other animals that could potentially be at risk.

For context, we live in KY and not in city limits. Our animals are not free roam and stay in the barn or a fenced in area. The dog get in the fence each time. Not sure how, but he does. We’ve checked so many times to figure out how this dog has access and we couldn’t figure it out. It wasn’t an issue when the dog was on a collar.

Sorry for being so scattered because I’m very upset. I just need to know what I should do. I’m 20 and autistic, so I have a very hard time confronting people. Plus, I have never dealt with something like this.

 

[McChooky]

Electric fences are cheaper than replacing birds and best of all keep dogs out. Sorry for your loss!

 

[hannnnnah]

While I’m here, I wanted to make a final post for my babies.

The Swedish Blue was the male, the other three were females. I got so lucky with the random M/F ratio!

This was my first experience with ducks and I couldn’t have asked for a better group. They made me so incredibly happy and it was such a joy to watch them grow. Rest in peace. <3

 

[Rawnwyd]

No! - Electric fences are designed to keep the birds in! No electric fence will keep a dedicated dog out, especially not a dog that has developed a taste for duck.

I disagree with you. I used Premier 1 electric net fencing for my sheep and it kept out the dogs and coyotes. Their product is better than what you would pick up at the Tractor Supply Store. It is also more expensive. They even have solar. There are options. Raise some guineas along with the ducks. They will scream bloody murder if the dog comes over in the day. Mine once alerted me to 5 dogs getting into my sheep pen. (The fence wore out after 10 years and I had not replaced it yet. They dug under the woven wire.) The guineas don't have to be in the same pen as the ducks just in visual range. I would say SSS (shoot, shovel and shut up) but if you have no familiarity with fire arms that's not a good idea. We did effectively dissuade a pair of dogs by using a paint ball gun and freezing the paint balls. They didn't return. Either it scared the dogs too badly or it scared their owners that people were shooting at them and might start using real ammo. I feel you for the anxiety though. I hope you find an answer that works for you best.

 

[21hens-incharge]

This thread has been cleaned up.
When posting keep in mind that suggesting people commit illegal activities is not in keeping with BYC rules and values.

Thank you to all who are posting legal and ethical solutions to the OP's issues with loose dogs.

21hens-incharge
BYC staff

 

[SwampPrincessChick]

I'm pretty sure that is is legal in the majority of places to kill any dog that is attacking your poultry. That means you can rightfully shoot the dog, and that would be the best way to stop it if it comes for another snack.

 

[RedHillChicken]

I'm pretty sure that is is legal in the majority of places to kill any dog that is attacking your poultry. That means you can rightfully shoot the dog, and that would be the best way to stop it if it comes for another snack.

Kill the dog. Problem solved. Sorry for you loss!

 

[Sammster]

Electric fences are cheaper than replacing birds and best of all keep dogs out. Sorry for your loss!

And the neighbor should pay for that, too - under the circumstances

 

[NorthwoodsChick]

True. I got the taller fence and the coyotes just jump over. the dogs run through it. Because its poultry fence, its keeps the fowl in pretty well.

I use a four level hot wire with a 2 joule output and bait it with raw bacon on top and bottom wires. I have successfully deterred wolf, bobcat, coyote, dog, fox, coon, and black bear. One sniff on that bacon with a wet nose is all it takes and they learn fast. My neighbors loose chickens left and right; I do not. Electric fence done properly works wonders.

 

[The Moonshiner]

> Like water balloons filled with paint or something? Not sure what that'll do besides piss of the owner which you seem to be against.

Pissing the owner is exactly the idea. Killing his/her dog is on a different level, and definitely less humane

If the dog is illegal in the state, animal control may want to have a serious talk with the owner, or worse kill the dog directly. You decide, but keeping a good relationship with your neighbors is also valuable, and could worth it more than a few ducks.

I'm not gonna read back but I believe it was said this dog has killed OPs birds 2 or 3 times and attacked a dog on their property?
Seems some steps were taken by the owner but those have now been abandoned.
I'm thinking that neighbor and I are already passed having a good relationship.