Baby Chicks and Beagles

[citychickydees]

Today I came home with a 2 week old Rhode Island Red, a 4 day old yellow polish, a 4 day old black polish (I think), and a 2 day old guinea hen. I have already fallen in love.
I cannot say the same for my beagle, Buster. At first he was a bit scared of them because they made so much noise. Now he tries to scratch at my rubbermaid brooder. It is a thick plastic, so I am not concerned he would break it. But I am concerned that he may knock it over/ scare the chicks/ do something to the heat lamp/ drive me crazy, etc.
I am thinking of getting a baby gate to keep out the hound. What can I do in the meantime? Thank you!
Courtney

 

[crumptz]

As you can see from my avitar, I have a one year old brittany; yes, that's a bird dog! When my chicks were little, I had to put the brooder in a bedroom and keep the door shut... then the garage... then the hen house. Every day I bring the dog around the chicks (now 9 weeks) and let him see that they are part of the PACK. Really, I think he thinks they are dinner in waiting. Now, when I want to let them free range, I keep the dog in the house. Otherwise, they have to be in the run/coop and he leaves them alone.

 

[nzpouter]

keep him out... for an untrained dog, the chirping is a big temptation.

Just a tip, never hold a chick and put it in front of your dog's face.