I have two dogs and I want to have chickens soon so I want to know if chickens can be to scared to lay eggs if my dogs are around. I do not want that to happen because this is the reason I want some chickens in the first place. We also have a few chicken Hawks flying around. When we get chickens they will be in a 5 sided coop at all times but will that be enough? Are chickens smart enough to know that their coop will protect them? By the way, my dogs are pretty obedient and I am pretty confident that ones they find out it is wrong to go around the chickens they will not go around them. Will this help?
My dogs don't bother the chickens but some will and mine free range. We have alot of hawks around here but I've never lost one yet to a hawk. They have a lot of places to take cover. The chickens won't be scared to lay eggs if dogs are around especially if they are kept in the coop. Mine ignore the dogs, cats and everything else in the barnyard. If you're concerned, cover the run with wire mesh (just remember that racoons can easily tear it). Also put hardware cloth around the bottom of your run and bury it at least 12 inches to keep digging predators out.
if your dogs are already trained and obedient, teaching them not to bother the chickens is pretty easy. Do a search here on the topic or just a google search for teaching "leave it"
Even well trained, obedient dogs can go a little beserk when first presented with things that squawk and run around. Make sure your new chickens have a save run to go along with your coop until your dogs understand that they are yours and not fun new squeek toys! Chickens may know that their coop is a safe place, whether or not they can get there in time is another matter.
When I first got chickens, my dog ate the first ones who flew out of the coop, he also got a chick that got out. Now, a year later he's trustworthy with the adults and teenagers, they are all out loose all day. He knows that he's not allowed in the coop, it upsets the hens. I have some 4wk old chicks and they spend the day out in a pen, so long as they are confined the dog is OK, but if one gets out I wouldn't trust him unless I was right there; he'll learn though. Wish you the best in your new adventure!
