- May 20, 2013
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So, I have a great dog and a number of chickens. The dog has been around them outside since they were 3 weeks old and feathered enough to be out free ranging. They are now 9 weeks. A couple weeks ago I added a 4 baby silkies, for broodies to use next year. Really never thought a thing about it. Kept them in isolation and then a couple days ago let them out and they've been fine with our chickens. Well yesterday the dog ate one (found a foot that's it). I felt terrible, he never showed any inclination to go after any other chicken, and he's been around ours when they were smaller but there's something about the silkies that gets his prey drive going and I can't recreate it when I'm around.
I've made it so the silkies can't get to where the dog is, but that means they don't get to enjoy the free range life the rest of mine do. I've tried hiding and having them around to catch him, and I can't get him to do it again. I can't fix it if I can't catch him at least starting to do it. The silkies are still very young so this may solve itself with their growth, but I'd really really like to not find another random blue foot.
I've made it so the silkies can't get to where the dog is, but that means they don't get to enjoy the free range life the rest of mine do. I've tried hiding and having them around to catch him, and I can't get him to do it again. I can't fix it if I can't catch him at least starting to do it. The silkies are still very young so this may solve itself with their growth, but I'd really really like to not find another random blue foot.