Dog attack

[jaygunther]

I'm sure this has been covered many times but here goes:

I have 20 healthy free-range chickens. We somewhat reluctantly adopted two 3-month old lab mix puppies. I've tried to keep an eye on things but can't be with them 24/7. I have the ability to keep the chickens in a protected run. It's about 8' x 16' in size.

Most days are incident free. This morning, I found a hen had been pretty badly attacked. It was a fleshy bloody attack towards her bottom. Some bone is exposed. She is still running around and acts okay but perhaps that's shock. I don't know how to recognize it.

I have two questions:

1. I don't know if the injury is life-threatening and if I should put her down. What should I look for?

2. Once the dogs get a taste for chickens, am I doomed? Can it be corrected once they've attacked them? If this is going to be a long difficult process I may just have to find a new home for them. My daughters are crushed at the thought of losing the pups but I don't want a bunch of dead chickens.

Thanks.

 

[chitownhens]

I don't think you can trust the dogs going forward. Maybe speak with a trainer.

You probably need to separate the injured hen. If the other hens see blood they will probably go after her. Bring her in the house maybe set up a box and put her back when it's healed. I'm sure you can probably spray it with some type of anti bacterial spray. Others have suggested honey for open sores and I like that idea especially Manuka honey for open sores.

Here is the setup I have for injured/sick hens. A large moving box with a hole cut out, plastic garbage bag bottom liner and pine shavings. Or course the hen will need an area to eat and walk around.

 

[jaygunther]

Thanks. I have to be honest . . . I don't have the time or money to engage a dog trainer. If this is going to be an on-going issue, I'm just letting the pups go. I don't mean to sound irresponsible, but I think it would be more irresponsible to keep them with the hopes that they can be easily corrected. I have two other dogs, both Aussies. They are sweet with the chickens and I would trust them to sleep together.

 

[chickens really]

Two young pups and a bunch of Chickens running around is a very fun game of chase to the pups...I think the pups need to go to another home....Best wishes...

 

[abraga]

Thanks. I have to be honest . . . I don't have the time or money to engage a dog trainer. If this is going to be an on-going issue, I'm just letting the pups go. I don't mean to sound irresponsible, but I think it would be more irresponsible to keep them with the hopes that they can be easily corrected. I have two other dogs, both Aussies. They are sweet with the chickens and I would trust them to sleep together.

It is breed into labs to go after birds...specifically to retrieve fowl that have been shot. Hunters that use them for retrieval train them to have a soft mouth. Unfortunately that particular breed of dog is probly not a good choice to have around chickens. U will need to figure out plan to keep both birds and dogs separated or you will continue to have issues with a breed of dog whose instincts are to retrieve large birds. The only other thing I could think to try is a shock collar. I've had labs..they r clever. They knew not to go after our birds...we would all b outside..dogs would be fine...they would be completely disinterested..but if we weren't around...It was a different story.

 

[abraga]

It is breed into labs to go after birds...specifically to retrieve fowl that have been shot. Hunters that use them for retrieval train them to have a soft mouth. Unfortunately that particular breed of dog is probly not a good choice to have around chickens. U will need to figure out plan to keep both birds and dogs separated or you will continue to have issues with a breed of dog whose instincts are to retrieve large birds. The only other thing I could think to try is a shock collar. I've had labs..they r clever. They knew not to go after our birds...we would all b outside..dogs would be fine...they would be completely disinterested..but if we weren't around...It was a different story.

If your hen is running around and eating..spray her wound with blue coat. If the other chickens see a red open wound they may chase her..peck at it..and have her for lunch.

 

[sbhkma]

Most dogs can be taught to be safe around chickens. But you have to take the time to teach them. If you don't have the time/interest to do so, it would be best to rehome the dogs.

 

[chickens really]

I have 5 Dogs and all are trained and great with all my Birds....Puppies are just doing what puppies do....No training and they have no clue.....

 

[jaygunther]

If your hen is running around and eating..spray her wound with blue coat. If the other chickens see a red open wound they may chase her..peck at it..and have her for lunch.

She's not exactly running around. She seems to move about fine if she needs to but she would rather just be left alone. I still don't know if I need to be worried about her just living miserably for a few days and dying, or if she's got a good fighting chance.

 

[jaygunther]

It is breed into labs to go after birds...specifically to retrieve fowl that have been shot. Hunters that use them for retrieval train them to have a soft mouth. Unfortunately that particular breed of dog is probly not a good choice to have around chickens. U will need to figure out plan to keep both birds and dogs separated or you will continue to have issues with a breed of dog whose instincts are to retrieve large birds. The only other thing I could think to try is a shock collar. I've had labs..they r clever. They knew not to go after our birds...we would all b outside..dogs would be fine...they would be completely disinterested..but if we weren't around...It was a different story.

Yeah, I realize that. I've been around dogs all my life and I know that labs like birds. I was cautious but hopeful that since they were only three months old, they might be trained. When I'm with them, they are fine. They don't act aggressive at all. I put a baby chick on them and get no reaction. But when my back is turned is when all hell breaks loose. I can't do this if I'm in a losing battle. I have heard that once they get a taste for chickens, it's pretty much over.