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I have to disagree... I recently adopted a dog from my chick sitter. When his chicks were in the brooder, Minnie would just sit and stare down at them for hours. She could have easily taken any or all she wanted since the brooder was uncovered. When he turned them out into the yard she would be right there with them, all day, every day, never trying to hurt them in any way. Since we've had her, she wants nothing more than to be in the run with my chickens. She sits at the gate for hours and stares at them. The first day we had her my GF took her in the run with her to let the girls out. Minnie paid them no mind but the chickens on the other hand, well... freaked. One flew from the coop to the gate, about 40 ft. and the others stayed in the coop. The girls are starting to get used to her, coming up to the gate to check her out. I really don't think she would hurt them and will slowly introduce her by taking her in when I collect and clean. I'm certain that if the chickens are calm, Minnie will protect them as she did her old flock. For years farmers have been using dogs to protect their birds. I know my Grandmother did.
ETA: pic of Minnie
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/98066_7.jpg
Well I hope it works out for you! If you recently acquired her I'd still keep a close eye on her if I where you.
I guess I've seen to many chickens lost to dogs to ever trust a dog again...
I have to disagree... I recently adopted a dog from my chick sitter. When his chicks were in the brooder, Minnie would just sit and stare down at them for hours. She could have easily taken any or all she wanted since the brooder was uncovered. When he turned them out into the yard she would be right there with them, all day, every day, never trying to hurt them in any way. Since we've had her, she wants nothing more than to be in the run with my chickens. She sits at the gate for hours and stares at them. The first day we had her my GF took her in the run with her to let the girls out. Minnie paid them no mind but the chickens on the other hand, well... freaked. One flew from the coop to the gate, about 40 ft. and the others stayed in the coop. The girls are starting to get used to her, coming up to the gate to check her out. I really don't think she would hurt them and will slowly introduce her by taking her in when I collect and clean. I'm certain that if the chickens are calm, Minnie will protect them as she did her old flock. For years farmers have been using dogs to protect their birds. I know my Grandmother did.
ETA: pic of Minnie
https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/uploads/98066_7.jpg
Well I hope it works out for you! If you recently acquired her I'd still keep a close eye on her if I where you.
I guess I've seen to many chickens lost to dogs to ever trust a dog again...