Are my dogs in danger?

[Highland Peach]

That's a question that is opposite of what is usually asked. It's my chicks first night outside (9 weeks old) and they are in a temporary coop because we are moving in two weeks. I've got four t-posts in a rectangle with tiny square hardware wire mesh around the perimeter, attached with zip ties and I added chicken wire across the top, also attached with zip ties spaced approximately 4 inches apart. On three sides I've got chicken wire on the ground bending up the sides against the hardware wire, held down by rocks. On the forth side, I've got an uncovered 3' high dog pen that does not have a covered top. I put my Shih-Tzus out there thinking they could watch over the chicks and deter foxes and raccoons. However, now I'm thinking I may have painted a bullseye on my pups. Would a fox or raccoon attack my dogs in order to get to my chicks? Or worse, coyotes? I live in extreme north Georgia which is sparsely populated and very dense with forest. So, long story short, my question is - should I bring in my dogs for the night and will that kind of temporary coop be safe?

 

[dewey]

I would bring them all inside.

 

[Imp]

ditto

 

[MysticScorpio82]

Well, I hate to be the bearer of bad news; but yes, your pups are in danger. They may be fine for one night, but personally, I would never leave a small dog out over-night because they are so small they are a target. Their barking may deter foxes, but not a coyote. Coyotes would actually target your dogs - in many urban areas small dogs and cats are a food source for coyotes, and in the country coyotes try to entice large dogs into chasing one and then the rest of the pack takes out the "rival" (and that is a large dog, imagine a small one).

I grew up with small dogs and I love them, but I just wouldn't feel comfortable leaving a small dog out over night. I am sorry if I scared you, but you did ask

and I wanted you to be aware so you can make an informed decision (spelling?).

 

[Ema]

I have to agree, my large dogs can handle themselves and have proven they can but my shih tzu would not stand a chance against a fox or better yet an Owl which we have plenty around my area. I would bring them inside and same with the chicks. Good luck,

Ema

 

[Highland Peach]

Thanks, I'm walking outside to get my dogs right now!!! I am still concerned about the chicks but do not have any place to put them inside. Tiny hardware wire mesh, t-posts and chicken wire top won't keep predators out of the coop? Crap!!! I am right in the middle of moving house!

 

[dewey]

If need be, I'd put the chicken youngsters in a dog crate or a cardboard box with some of your chicken wire over it and bring them inside, or put them in a shed or where ever you've had them until now. Better cramped for a bit and live to tell about it.

 

[chkn]

Put them all in the garage SO YOU CAN SLEEP AT NIGHT!

 

[Two Creeks Farm]

I agree, and Yotes consider any small pooch a fine meal.

 

[Mattemma]

I kept my hens in the garage in a portable playpen till it was time to add them to my flock.