Blue Heeler

[121626]

I have a Blue Heeler mix and I keep hearing stories that they like to eat chickens. My dog hasn't harmed any yet, but I feel nervous about leaving him unattended when my chickens are out of their coop.

 

[Nslangton]

Friends of ours have 3 heelers that are out with the free range chickens everyday and have never attacked one. I however, have three labs that would kill all of my hens instantly if given the chance and can never allow the chickens and dogs out at the same time.

 

[bloom_ss]

I have a blue heeler/border collie mix and she does alright with the chickens. When she was really little she would charge them to watch them flap and squawk, but she hasn't done that for quite a while now (at least 6 months or so). She is only 8 months though so I am still keeping an eye on her most of the time. Mostly she and my aussie/border collie mix like to hunt for "chicken truffles" as we like to call them. lol Disgusting chicken poop eaters. lol I have left the dogs outside in the yard with the chickens free ranging, but I always keep an eye out and watch them through the windows just in case. I think at this point they both understand that the chickens are mine and not theirs to play with. It does take patience and training though...you can't just turn the dog loose with them, that's for sure.

 

[Appylover]

I have a pit/aussie mix and while given the chance I think she would chase one down but not sure if she would kill on purpose. Shes the dog that tried to nurse a baby pigeon when it fell from the nest. She does however like to eat chicken feed and poo. And on occasion if she gets the chance lick a chicken butt as it walks by. She also has her kittens she pampers. I think it really depends on the dog and its prey drive. And if they DO chase and kill one it could be a problem. Like the dogs that got mine today. They are known killers of anything smaller than them.