Dogs and Chickunz.

[Robbinita]

So, our cocker/yorkie mix is obsessed with our brooder. She sits by the chicks all day, tries to get up and smell them all day. If she is downstairs with us, and hears a loud peep upstairs, she is gone in an instant, wondering what they are up to. When we do take the chicks out, she sits by us full of curiosity. I've let her smell them up close, but am too afraid to let her get toooo close to them. She is part bird dog, after all. Do you think she wants to play? Or- lunch?? I want her to get used to them too, but I don't want her to eat them. Any experience with this at all? TIA!

 

[lleighmay]

I would worry less about the "bird dog" and more about the terrier..... and the obsession with their every little move/noise. If it were me I wouldn't even let her in the room without you. I've got two Jacks, one of which is always interested in the chicks. I never let him in the room without strict supervision and if he even approaches the brooder I tell him no. I do allow him to sniff them occasionally but only if he's very calm and not overly interested. If he gets excited I tell him no and have him leave the room. I am careful about not paying too much attention to the chicks in front of him, but I make it very clear that they are MINE and not for his amusement. Over the years he's gotten very good about leaving the babies alone, though I don't trust him for a minute. He's also gotten used to the big birds and long ago quit running at the fences to get them to fly; now he just ignores them. he's actually even good with newborn kittens and considers himself protector of all animals that live on the place. Regardless, I don't delude myself into thinking he's "safe" with them without adult supervision- the terrier prey drive is very strong. My other Jack is not interested in the small ones and afraid of the big ones since most of them are bigger than she is. I think you can probably reach a happy medium with your dog and the birds but it will probably take a lot of time and work. Good luck!

 

[abanjaf]

I agree with Heighmay! My dogs (all bird dogs) aren't allowed in the room with the chicks without direct supervision. They are not allowed to pay attention to the chicks whatsoever. And I make it clear they are totally off limits for their viewing pleasure. Her interest could be purely innocent, but I wouldn't bet money on it. You can bring her in the room with you, but STRONGLY discourage all interest that she may show in the chicks. Are you planning on having the chicks free range and that's why you want her to get used to them?

 

[fours2many]

I have a shih tzu, and won't even let him anywhere near the brooder. He would think they were squeaky toys. I don't think he would "try" and kill them, but he does tear apart a squeaky toy in the matter of minutes. I really wouldn't trust any dog around them. Just too delicate and dogs...well, most do not understand the meaning of delicate.

 

[Gonzo]

Quote:
Our West Highland White Terriers are responsible for a few of our chickens deaths! Becareful... Its really heart breaking when it happens. Coconut looks for them outside.... she found a few that stayed under the coop when we though everyone was safe and put up.

 

[mommahen13]

Any ideas on how to train a pup (5 months old) to leave your chickens alone? I just got two boxer/mix pups and the male has already displayed a great interest in them. My chicks are about 8 weeks old right now, so not really small, but still small enough to be an issue. Any ideas would be great. thnks

 

[gritsar]

The most well mannered dog, that wouldn't hurt a flea (literally), can still kill a chick just by picking it up and trying to mother it. IMO, dogs and chicks don't mix. Neither do cats and chicks.
We had to train our older GSD to leave my grown chickens alone. Shake cans are a wonderful tool. Our younger GSD has absolutely no interest in chickens. Neither will ever be left alone with my flock.

 

[Robbinita]

Thanks, all. I have definitely noted your advice and will be keeping her from them! They will be in a pen outside, so she won't be able to get to them. (as long as everything goes as planned) No dog around the chicks!! Thanks again!

 

[UGAchick]

I just had the most horrible experience with dogs and chickens. We foster dogs, and one of them must have escaped from her crate, jumped the baby gate, knocked over the brooder and killed all but one of my chicks. I am devastated. One of the chicks is still missing. Is it possible that the dog ate her? I found one alive and was thrilled, but I keep searching the house in hopes of finding the other one alive. She is nowhere to be found, nor is she making any noise.

 

[gritsar]

Quote:
I'm so sorry.