Dog got my girls ... again

[OvertheHenHouse]

OMG - too cute!!!

 

[poseygrace]

What kind of dog is that in the pic? I want one! My little yorkie mix is a brutal killer. She recently killed a hen twice her size. We try to keep them separated, but with two kids, it's nearly impossible to keep the dog locked up 24/7. And it seems unfair to the dog, who used to have roam of the yard till the chickens came. Anyway, my Mom is going to take her so I am fortunate, but still sad. I love the dog, but I can't have her terrorizing my chickens.

 

[OvertheHenHouse]

It looks like a Westie after it's been shaved...is that what it is?
Really cute dog ... and chick!

 

[BetsyB0101]

That is such a cute picture! I love it!! And I have to agree... it is up to the owner's to make sure that the dogs and chickens are kept separated. I have learned the hard way too. I have three minature schnauzer house dogs. Two of them couldn't care less about the chickens. The other one is a whole different story. We knew that she was VERY interested in the chickens and so didn't let her out of the house when they were loose. Well, wires got crossed, someone let her out to potty not knowing someone else had let the chickens out. She killed two full grown hens. She only goes out on a leash now. She is still mesmerized by them though. I have chicks in the brooder in the house and she just sits by the door to that room by the hour and listens to the peeps. Earlier tonight I was watching a video on youtube of chicks on my cell phone and they were peeping really loud and she was sitting on the floor by me, looking at my phone and licking her lips! LOL It actually was funny. She is just being a dog with very high prey instincts. She can't help what she is. I just have to make sure she doesn't have a chance to hurt anything! Oh and we are in the process of fencing in our backyard just for the dogs and then the chickens will be free to be everywhere else!

 

[Manningjw]

Quote:
Couldn't agree more. I saw more cats than I could ever stand to count in our yard when we had young pullets. Fortunately they were locked up in a predator proof run/coop until they were old enough to not have to worry about cats.

If we hadn't taken special care with securing our hens I am certain that we would have lost a few to our dog. We almost did lose one, also an Andalusian because she was flighty and kept flying over a 6' fence, even after she had her wings clipped... Luckily she is a bit less flighty now and hasn't been out of their run in months. If any hens did make it out, I wouldn't blame my dog for killing them. Sure I would be upset with him but he is a terrier and has always been allowed to chase off other animals from the yard. We have him decently well trained now not to even go to the back part of the yard where the chickens are. He will sit about 100feet from their pin and watch them but knows not to get closer.

 

[Tala]

Fix the fence so the chickens can't get out. What's the point of having a pen to keep them in if it doesn't keep them in it? Sometimes you have to lock them up for their own safety, or for peace of mind when you have to have work done. Probably not the best idea to let the birds out when you're having your a/c serviced, ya know what I mean?
I also think I would have to get rid of a chicken killer dog. Somehow I know my husband would do something stupid if the critters couldn't coexist. Don't blame you a bit. But still, you need to have a safe place for your birds, irregardless of the dog situation. Fix the fence!

 

[Zonoma]

Quote:

Actually, she is a miniature schnauzer (the chick is a sebright) with a chop job hair cut and radar ears. As a breed, I would NOT recommend them as 'chicken safe' because they were bred as rodent and bird killers (specifically as rat dogs). There are exceptions in every breed and I'm happy to say that I have them (I have 2 minis)!

It took some time and some training but- though she is highly interested in my chickens- she is more interested in pleasing me. As a result, she has learned that it is okay to indulge herself with some chasing under the 'right' circumstance- namely, when I'm trying to herd the chickens back into the run after a free range session. When she is chasing, I do watch very, very carefully though. There's only so much nurture can do against nature, if you know what I mean. There have been times when I've had to call out, "Elsie, LEAVE IT!" and remind her. THIS ONLY WORKS BECAUSE I INVEST SO MUCH TIME BUILDING TRUST AND TRAINING MY DOGS. (<---- Don't miss that, it's important). As a result, I can let her go outside and potty without me even when the birds are free ranging.

 

[Country Hen]

Poseygrace,
It seems a shame to get rid of the dog because it's following it's instincts, especially since you're attached to it. I had two JRT, but had to have my old guy put to sleep, so now it's just my little girl; and she does love to bark at them thru the fence but that's as far as she gets. I manage nicely putting my dog in and my chickens out, then my girls go in and my dog goes out. There's someone else that sounds like they need training and that's your kids.