My heart goes out to you. They are the best dogs. They are very sensitive and need a fair and soft handed owner who will gives them the attention and respect mentally and physically they deserve. My first Belgian was a re-home at 2 years old. He had seizures and degenerative joint disease. He was a great guy and was with us for 8 years before he passed. I fell in love with this breed and after some time got my puppy from a reputable breeder. These dogs are amazingly intuitive, biddable, loyal, clownish, agile, intelligent, loads of personality, great with kids and little animals. Did I miss anything? I believe he (Dante) will be very good with the chicks/chickens. He watches them calmly until one of the Coros looks him in the eye. Very funny to watch his response; almost like a slight back up and "Mom that little thing is looking right at me", and then he get a bit more intense in his study. I am working with both dogs carefully so they get use to the birds. Not sure about the Border Collie yet, he is very hard wired for the chase. When we first got the chicks at the peeping bothered him. It like troubled his brain and he did not know how to process the new situation. For the longest time he was afraid to go near the brooder. He barely gives them a look see now, even though I encourage him to "check it out". We adopted him at 2yrs of age and of course he came with some baggage. A lot of people are such idiots for getting a Border Collie. They are also amazing dogs, but not for people in urban or suburban settings - which is where he came from. Fergus, however has come along nicely. I think he might be OK with the chickens. Time will tell. Enough dog talk.
from Ohio. So glad you joined. 
