1-0 to the chooks

[Smoggy67]

Firstly let me say hi to everyone, its been a long long time since i posted.
Had a lot going on and my internet friends had to be put aside for a while unfortunately.

For those of you who remember me, you'll know i started with four ex batts last year - well im now up to 17!!! Just cant help myself..

The other day i was in the kitchen when i heard such a caffuffle, immediately ran out to find one of next doors dogs (huge white alsation) terrorising my chooks - he had dug under the wiring at the base of the hedge.

I grabbed him by the neck and did a quick head count of my brood...all present and correct and UNHARMED. 4 on garage roof, 3 on wifes car roof, 2 on my bonnet and the rest doing an impression of Ronaldo to sidestep the big gormless predator.

I was so proud of them.

Dragged the hound back round to the neighbour and returned him, she said thanks but explained its my fault!!! As the chickens make a noise her dogs need to investigate!!!

I quite simply pointed out that my job was to keep my chickens in and hers was to keep her dogs in IN! (Unless anyone knows of a good chicken mussle shop lol)

I also reassured her that if anything happened to my chickens she would be held fully responsible - reinforcing this by mentioning "do you know farmers can shoot predators attacking their livestock" lol....

Anyhow, seen her husband working hard to reinforce their side of the hedge and ive sorted the hole her dog made - so fingers crossed it was a one off.

Extra treats for my chooks that day.....

[Hilary B]

It's one thing to understand WHY a dog takes interest, quite another to ignore the responsibility to keep the dog under control!
The dog has no right in your garden, and even if he really is only inquisitive, the chooks don't know that and might be harmed by their fear.
ANY damage done by an invading dog, you are entitled to claim the cost of sorting it from the dog's owner, that includes any plants knocked over, or damage to chicken run!

[Glutton4...]

Aww, poor Chooks, they must've been frightened. Lucky you were home!

[kirsty b]

What a cheeky mare!! Its all well and good iff the dog was just having a bit of a look and a sniff through the fence but to actually dig into your property??

Even if you didn't have chooks, it is HER responsibilty to make sure the dog cannot get loose from their property.

[Flummery]

Your attitude is quite right - if you are doing all the right things, any problem is down to her.
However, the main thing is that your chickies are unharmed. I'd have given mine extra treats too! Softies, aren't we?

[Smoggy67]

Thanks all, really good to know we all agree its her responsibility...

The dog had more in mind than a look thats for certain, but as you all say at least the chooks were ok.

[BUFFS]

to smoggy67,we have five birds and a dog (its only a cocker spaniel) and the birds are in charge,their pen(about 15ft x9ft) faces onto our backyard ,done out in the italian style,a rea suntrap, when the dopey dog thought she might chase them,they chased her around the yard,with one standing on her back as she was persued around the yard,nearly two full curcuits before the hen decided to dismount, i havent laughed so loud or so long for years,i was crying with laughter for a good while later,so after your close call,i thought i would give you an image of the daft side of dogs,hope your chooks are fully recovered.

[MaureenHall]

What a pity you didn't manage to video that Buffs I'm sitting here on my own giggling like a loon

[Glutton4...]

What a pity you didn't manage to video that Buffs I'm sitting here on my own giggling like a loon

Yes, me too - that must have been sooooo funny!

[BUFFS]

my wife had to rush to the ladies room after witnessing scotlands answer to Ben Her,or should that be "BIRD HER",she isnt even one of the bolshy ones,but she has the measure of the dog..magic..

[frias]

Buffs, I so wish I could have seen that.

Smoggy67, glad your girls are OK but if next doors dog can get in, so could a fox.

[kirsty b]

Buffs, thats sounds fantastic!! Wish I'd seen it!

[Eco-Chic]

OMG so do I wish I'd seen that.

My dogs killed one of my lovely little Orpington banties. What I'd give to see the others ride my dogs into submission

[BUFFS]

the dog now looks both ways before going out into the yard and now she never chases them,if they are in the yard,she might need to go on her patch,but will hold it til they go round the back,if we had had the camcorder out we would have made a fortune from it,they always raise a smile with their daft antics...i suppose thats why we get attatched to them