Chicken poop vs allergic dog

[chickenmomma16]

I’m in a predicament. I want to free range my birds. And my dogs are loose too, we live on 5 acres and the dogs do not have a fenced yard so naturally, when the chickens are out they mingle and inevitably the chickens poop, everywhere.

One of my dogs is VERY allergic to grains. She will itch, and itch and itch and itch and itch.... etc for the next 48hours and risk skin flare ups and ear infections too.
She also LOVES CHICKEN POOP! Chicken food and later chicken poop is full of grains (duh). And her itching is DRIVING. US. NUTS.

Is there anything I can feed the chickens that makes their poop unpalatable to a dog?


Picture of the culprit, probably with a tummy full of chicken poop.

 

[azygous]

As if chicken poop isn't gross enough, no, it'd be very hard to come up with something to make it even less appealing.

I have friends with dogs, and they've mentioned that from time to time they will have a dog that has a compulsive need to eat poop. They solved the problem by feeding their dogs a probiotic supplement called Forco. It began decades ago as a horse supplement, and now they have it for dogs and even chickens.

Google it. You will be able to locate a dealer near you or order it from Amazon. When I was feeding it to my chickens as an experiment to try to combat feather picking, the dealer shipped it to me and it was cost effective. By the way, my chickens loved the stuff. No, it didn't stop the feather picking, unfortunately.

 

[so lucky]

Umm, I wonder what constitutes "compulsive" need to eat chicken poop? My dog will eat it if she finds it. All day long? She might, if I leave her out there near the chickens.

 

[chickenmomma16]

As if chicken poop isn't gross enough, no, it'd be very hard to come up with something to make it even less appealing.

I have friends with dogs, and they've mentioned that from time to time they will have a dog that has a compulsive need to eat poop. They solved the problem by feeding their dogs a probiotic supplement called Forco. It began decades ago as a horse supplement, and now they have it for dogs and even chickens.

Google it. You will be able to locate a dealer near you or order it from Amazon. When I was feeding it to my chickens as an experiment to try to combat feather picking, the dealer shipped it to me and it was cost effective. By the way, my chickens loved the stuff. No, it didn't stop the feather picking, unfortunately.

It’s funny you mention the probiotics. I had her on them at one point and they helped clear up some digestive and skin issues. She’s undoubtedly been on numerous antibiotics due to chronic ear infections (it’s why she was surrendered to an animal shelter per her paperwork) and shortly after being adopted she had a raging bladder/kidney infection. This girl was a mess! I think I’ll put her back on some probiotics.
Too bad I can’t feed the chickens something, I wondered about cayenne pepper.... It’s gross seeing the dogs eat it then fart it later.

 

[chickenmomma16]

Umm, I wonder what constitutes "compulsive" need to eat chicken poop? My dog will eat it if she finds it. All day long? She might, if I leave her out there near the chickens.

This particular dog yesterday, ate just all the poop from 25 chickens free ranging all day. When I went to lock the chicken coop I happened to notice that there was no fresh poop around.... hmmmmmmm.... I wonder why?

 

[azygous]

I would think red pepper would really cause dog farts. The chickens wouldn't care either way since they have no receptors for peppers.

Nutritional imbalances can cause all sorts of strange cravings in humans and animals. Both humans and animals, including chickens, can suffer from pica, a compulsion to eat dirt and gravel including metal objects, for example. Eating poop must be satisfying something this dog is lacking.

While you work on finding the right supplements for your little shit eater, keeping the dogs and chickens separated might not be a bad idea.

On the other hand, having a four-legged poop "vacuum" has a certain irresistible appeal.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Benadryl ?

 

[trumpeting_angel]

My grand-doggie always ate rabbit poop when she could get it. When she visits she samples the chicken poop, as well as other disgusting things. Dogs will be dogs, I think.

 

[chickenmomma16]

I would think red pepper would really cause dog farts. The chickens wouldn't care either way since they have no receptors for peppers.

Nutritional imbalances can cause all sorts of strange cravings in humans and animals. Both humans and animals, including chickens, can suffer from pica, a compulsion to eat dirt and gravel including metal objects, for example. Eating poop must be satisfying something this dog is lacking.

While you work on finding the right supplements for your little shit eater, keeping the dogs and chickens separated might not be a bad idea.

On the other hand, having a four-legged poop "vacuum" has a certain irresistible appeal.

Poor chickens may have to stay in their nasty run for a bit... this dog and her issues is driving me to drink

 

[azygous]

Be thankful the dogs don't roll in the poop. That also is a very "doggie" thing. For being such paragons of charm and intelligence, dogs sure are capable of some pretty disgusting behavior. But I suppose you could say that about humans, too.