A small number yes, with most but not with all dogs. Current female in training is a yes. Losses incurred usually when dog is between 6 and 12 months of age. Previous dog killed two, one by stepping on it. Present trainee is up to three but that appears to be slowing down. I setup so birds lost are young culls which are free-ranged in group of about 20. When I say loss, that does not always mean deathloss which is not desirable, it can also mean a bird is mauled to loose tail feathers. Feathers of such birds are going to be replaced anyway but dog interferes with pattern of loss. Also birds culled are usually done according to some quality that is not desireable and often such birds have health issues as well. Presently I have a game stag that has a chronic case of coryza and a pullet with bad toes. Both are targeted by dog in training but she is starting to loose interest in them as well which is evident as birds are now feeding and even sunning in close proximity to her. Other birds are largely left alone except for during bowling time. The six month window with this dog is occuring outside of production season. By start of next production season in March dog should be largely done with harassing birds and if further schooling required, then she will be schooled by a gamehen with chicks. I will back up gamehen if need be.
Do you lose birds in the training process due to dogs?
Elder dog in place is showing tendency to reprimand pup when she gets out of line and he gets me when pup is messing with birds. She is not yet allowed to romp too long without supervision but it is needed for her to show her true colors. She is a smart one that tries to beat me but by all appearances she will mature into a very good guardian. She is also learning how to navigate pens and fences at this time and much of this is done while bothering birds. She will hopefully retain that skill set as wingman for elder dog when trhey try to catch Mr. Fox. If she does Mr. Fox is screwed.
Problem I run into is when dogs are imprinted, they are imprinted only on the adult birds they where raised with. They seem to know those birds by sight, sound and smell. Being imprinted helps but does not stop hazards imposed upon juveniles and chicks. The imprinting though does make so adult chickens can attack dog messing with young birds without dog simply turning around and making snack of attacker. That can happen as you might imagine. I had an old arthritic dalmation that not would mess with birds at all but killed out right a cock bird that flogged from behind without apparent cause.
TMI?