Dog got my month old chicks....need help for the one that is alive....

[chubbydog811]

I know how jacks are - we have had them for 11 years now. The door was closed tight, and I had something over the top of where the chicks were so they would be safe. It wasn't an "Im out for meat" spree, he didn't actually kill the chicken, it died of shock - I checked out the dead chick, and it only had 1 puncture on it. He left the one I'm trying to save. We have had one of the other Jacks go after the chickens outside because they got loose, but that was (somewhat) acceptable because they were loose, and she's a hunting dog.
The Jacks arent allowed out near the barn. They get their exercise in a dog yard out back the house. Knowing how they are, they tend to run away with out tons of training, so they stay in a secure yard.
Our chicken yard is enclosed from all angles, and has a board running along the ground so nothing can get it. But again, doesn't matter as the little dogs arent allowed out there anyway.
After much thought, I was planning on re-homing him anyway, because he has been going after the other dogs also.

 

[chubbydog811]

Did also want to add - If he doesn't get better, but isn't suffering still, I was going to bring him to the vets. I never said I wouldn't bring him.
Not trying to be rude and snippy, or pick a fight, just trying to clarify. It doesn't seem nice for someone to assume and accuse something, before asking.

Thanks everyone else who has been giving advice.
Something that makes me feel a little better - he did try to jump out the box he is in right now. (and no, there are no dogs living in this house, and nothing can get him again) And the splint is doing great things for him!

Does anyone have any idea why he might have an air pocket under his wing though? I think that is the thing that is worrying me most right now.


EDT: Looked up about the air bubble, and someone actaully had the same problem - dog went after chicken, chicken got a pocket of air on it...By the sounds of it, it will be OK, just have to let him rest, and get better!

Here is the link for anyone who is interested.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=58721


Also, would "Bacitraycin Plus" be alright to use on the wound? We dont have any Neoporin...

 

[Chicken Woman]

chubbydog811
Please don't feel like this is your fault ! Somtimes no matter how hard we try to protect them things do happen. Just like trying to protect our children which I have 6, sometimes they still get hurt even with all the precautions we take.

I have a golden retriever that IM sure would try to play with a chick if she got the chance. Sad but true she would probably kill it. I have chicks in my laundry room and am being very careful but as happened at your house someone could forget to close the door properly. It's all a part of life so don't stress to much or take things personally.
I feel so bad that this happened and I hope your little chickie heals and gets better.

 

[JennsPeeps]

Bacitraycin Plus shoudl be fine to put on the chick as long as it has no pain killers in it. No ingredients that end with "-caine", as these are toxic to chickens.

You're probably already thinking of ways to protect your birds from the dog. I dont' have to tell you that Jack Russells are terribly smart and incredibly determined dogs. Your long-term plans for raising chickens must include keeping them safe from the dog. He has already discovered that the little squeak toys are fun, even if making them stop squeaking means getting in trouble with you. Discipline isn't enough of a deterrent.

Your dog was neither "good" nor "bad" in killing the chicks: he was "instinctual" and nothing more. There was no malice in his intent, just genetics urging him to go after the little critters. This will endure his entire life, no matter what. You're going to have to be very diligent in keeping the birds away from the dog. Read more in the "Coops" and "Predators" sections on ways to keep your flock safe .

Good luck.

 

[chubbydog811]

Thanks chicken women! That does make me feel better...Having horses, I know that sometimes, no matter how careful you are, things still happen.
This particular jack is the only one of mine that would actually go after the chickens (not counting my parents dogs - they arent allowed in my upstairs though). My other jack russel doesnt even look at them, and my lab and basset would just asume look and try to play, but not intentionally hurt them.

and I wasnt quite sure what it was I was supposed to be looking for in the antibiotic ointments...good to know! thanks!

 

[newbie coops]

I see this type of thing so often on this board, and once a message I posted was removed because it was deemed by the moderator as "insensitive" or something such thereof, so I will try to be softer, here...but one thing I don't understand is how people think they can keep chickens and dogs in the same space and not see what you have experienced.

Dogs and chickens are natural foes - it makes no sense to me how people think their dogs will be "ok" with their chickens just because they are "good" with the cat, the other dog, the goat, etc. Chickens are a "food" for all manner of beings - and dogs are no exception. Don't expect your dogs, however small, subserviant, or passive, to look at your chickens the same way he/she looks at your cat or your ferret.

Chickens are always going to be "food" in your dog's eyes..as they are in yours. Don't fool yourself. Animals have an order, just as we do.

Be realistic and don't introduce poultry to your pet dogs. They will all live longer.

This will probably be removed, so read quick.

 

[Chicken Woman]

I don't think it should be removed as it is true. Dogs and chickens are not to be mixed. We do need to do all we can to keep our dogs away from the chickens. That does not mean we cannot have both dogs and chickens. Just that we need to have things set up to prevent them from ever being together.

As in dog run-electric fence etc.

That said . We all make mistakes and this type of thing happens. It's all part of life.

I find it a little upsetting when I see pictures of a dog with a little chick sitting on it's head, as I am thinking that the dog will snap at that fun little toy any minute !

 

[newbie coops]

Quote:
I agree, we all make mistakes and life isn't worth living if we don't learn from them. You're right! We all do that - we all are taking little steps and learn along the way. That's what gives us wisdom. It's heartbreaking to read of loss like this, but it should be instrumental in how we conduct ourselves with our livestock and pets.

We should never forget, though, that we're all in this together (just like Red Green!)

 

[chubbydog811]

I do agree with you guys, its a known fact that chickens are always going to be food to dogs, and they should be separate ect ect...But I hope you arent saying that directly to me.

I did take the extra precautions, and like everyone keeps saying, mistakes happen. In my case, I did know that my dogs and chickens dont get along (obviously), but like newbie coops said, that doesnt mean you cant have both. I never let the little dogs see the chickens, I know they will snap at the "food" the first second you put the chick anywhere near it.

The jack russels dont get along with any of our farm animals, that is why they have a secure dog yard to go out in, but that doesnt mean that I should get rid of one or the other.

and like I said before, I'm not trying to be rude, or pick a fight, I just want to make sure you weren't directly stating that to me.



PS The little chick is doing great. He was still alive this morning, and looked just as happy as he did last night. His leg isnt in the position I want it to be in, but its close enough to be good until I can get to the store for more supplies. (the horse bandages wont fit on him!)

 

[newbie coops]

Chubbydog811,

I was directing my comment at your experience, but not at you personally. Of course, you separate your dogs from your chickens and this incident was unusual for you, but I was just saying, really, that keeping chickens within sight, sound, or smell of a dog is asking for trouble.

Dogs are notorious for chicken massacres. If they can, they'll find a way to get to them. I understand there are many who keep dogs and chickens with success; however, eventually they will run into a problem with the dog going after the chicken(s) and it's entirely preventable. Just don't keep chickens within sight, smell, or sound of a dog.