[st0n3]

The other day I was reading a book with a fire in the fireplace, heard a disturbance with the chickens...;

Chickens make a lot of noise anyway... I failed to get gun when I went to check on them...

a couple large dogs with birds in their mouths... I ran to get gun, but mutts were gone before I could get back.

I need a trap large enough for wolf size dogs that won't harm my cats...

And... yes, I am building another chicken run... but... I really doubt that anything I do is going to be 100%... Really need to go to final solution.

 

[Forcast]

Animal control here helps with lending large traps. When i had the problem i bought one tractor supply.

 

[st0n3]

I have lots of traps... problem is finding one of sufficient size.
Raccoon trap just isn't large enough.

The animal control people aren't out here in the stix... And the shelters are full anyway.

edit:
Just re-read your post....
Lending large traps... Might need to look into that...

 

[ladytoysdream]

TSC has big cages. When we bought one , it was 160
Last time I looked, same size, think it was like 130 something.

You should keep the gun handy. They will be back.

And sturdy up your pen/ run. Heavy duty kennel cages should work.

Friend of mine has a bear problem. She had to sell her birds
to save them. Bear is still being a PITA. He likes her bee hives.

 

[robin416]

When you finish that run, get hot wire and put it around the lower portion of the run. A few zaps from that wire will keep them away. Trust me, I've heard it bite whatever was trying to get at my birds at night. A loud scream says it all.

 

[Big_Al]

We have kept chickens for 25 years now.
SOP to keep a gun in your pocket at all times, unless you are in bed.
Then there should be a shotgun leaning up next to the bed.

If you know where the dogs are coming from, take the owners a dozen eggs and ask them to control their dogs.
If they don’t, then shoot them when they come on your property.

 

[Alice In TX/MO]

S. S. S.

 

[GREENCOUNTYPETE]

an MB550 or 650 offset jaws

MB-650 OS Coyote & Bobcat Coil Spring Trap (Offset Jaws) | F&T Fur Harvester's Trading Post

Just dye and wax these traps and they're ready to go! Virtually anything that could be done to make this trap coyote proof is wrapped up here in one neat package. The MB-650 OS trap is heavy-duty from top to bottom and comes with 1/4" off

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cage up the cats or set the pan tension to more than they will put on a foot

 

[Orchardsmith]

Or go to .22 mag hollow points. It's time for the dog raids to end. Now.

 

[Forcast]

TSC has big cages. When we bought one , it was 160
Last time I looked, same size, think it was like 130 something.

You should keep the gun handy. They will be back.

And sturdy up your pen/ run. Heavy duty kennel cages should work.

Friend of mine has a bear problem. She had to sell her birds
to save them. Bear is still being a PITA. He likes her bee hives.

They do make large traps with a small cage attched. i guess put a live chicken in. I think it traumatizes the chicken too much for me. I just dump a can of dog food past the trip trigger.

 

[muleskinner2]

You went outside to check on chickens making a lot of noise, and you didn't take a gun. I think I see your problem.

 

[altair]

And the follow-up, what will you do if the traps catch them.

 

[oldasrocks]

I have 2 large live traps I bought at Sutherlands but they are out of business. Big enough for a 50 lb raccoon who was tearing up normal sized live traps. Find a friend with a welder and have him copy a small trap to make a a large one.

 

[fishhead]

The final solution is rarely final because they just get more dogs. It's also not the dogs fault. They will be back the first chance they get.

I would go with a large cage trap and stay away from footholds or conibears. Both will kill your chickens. Footholds will break the chickens leg and the conibear will just outright crush the chest.

Or you could surround the pen or coup with a single strand electric fence powered by a HOT charger. Use the fencing for the ground THEN hang some tin foil strips smeared with either peanut butter or bacon grease hanging from the strand. That will do wonders to keep your birds safe.

 

[Forcast]

If dogs are catchable tie the dead chicken to his back with a bill for $25 the going price for a good laying hen. Hel go home and the owner will know. Report it to the county. Animal control sheriff who ever. A report is good to back you up. Im not so much a sss person . too many things can go wrong. but i have removed problem dogs to a rescue in a different state. Different area because back then strays got returned to owners without a fee. Now they charge. If the dog has health issues no rabies shot or reported kills they dont go back to owners. First fix the chicken run. No point loosing all the birds while the dogs are loose. Yes use human traps. I know many dont like facebook but if you have one for your town you might ask if anyone has a human wolf coyote trap to borrow. I would not say you want to trap a pet dog.

 

[Pony]

S. S. S.

^^^^^^^^^

This. Damned shame, but sometimes, that's all you can do.

 

[haypoint]

And the follow-up, what will you do if the traps catch them.

Simply take them to the local Animal shelter and declare them as owner surrenard

 

[GTX63]

Big Al is correct and his idea should be step #1. Go over with something as a good will gesture and make them aware of the issue. Now if they are crack zombies or the spawn of Deliverance, skip step#1.
#2. Round them up, luring them with the eggs or pie that you were going to take to the owners. Head down to the pound and make a deposit. Owners will tire of having to pay $50 of $100 bucks to bail them out.
#3. A repeat notice and final warning.
#4. Per Alice, SSS.
Now, if the neighbors aren't neighborly and their dogs disappear, they will likely suspect you. Your initial visit will guide you as to if you should ever need to return.
It is also true that it isn't the dogs fault. It also isn't the chicken's fault and they are being killed. Just as children suffer for the sins of the parents, so will some dogs.
One reoccurring problem I have seen are people that try to suffer thru with bad neighbors. Being bold and plainspoken during the first meeting can make it clear you aren't a pushover.

 

[Danaus29]

^^^^^^^^^

This. Damned shame, but sometimes, that's all you can do.

Yup. A few dogs from this area ran off never to return home.

Irresponsible dog owners make you appreciate good dog owners more.

 

[altair]

Simply take them to the local Animal shelter and declare them as owner surrenard

If the owners go there to find them then they'll likely just get them back.