Dogs getting acquainted with chicks. What happened?

[TinkleTurkey]

When I teach dogs that birds aren't toys, I use my most peckingest bird. In this case, my male guinea. Boy, can he bite!
I don't enjoy doing it, but if the dog learns to have respect for the birds & save lives because of it, a few well-placed stings on the nose are very beneficial.

 

[dweej]

Quote:
That is quite a promising story! I hope our dogs can get to that point too...especially the big ol' goober with all his droolin'

 

[detroit_expat]

Thanks for the suggestions! The chicks are safely out of reach of the dogs now, but the dogs still are curious (at least the female) and maybe jealous when I pick up a chick or two.

 

[ARose4Heaven]

When I introduced my new Pomeranian to my hens, they thought he was a huge tasty woolly worm. He hasn't been in the coop since!

 

[mamaKate]

I have 2 cats and 3 dogs. I keep all chicks away from them until the fluffy, chirpy living squeaky toy phase is past. All my carnivores are ok with the adult birds, I just think giving them access to baby chicks is tempting them beyond what they can bear. Also, the fluffies are so fragile there isn't much room between "No! Stop!" and "We need more chicks."

 

[PaleMelanesian]

Just a warning. Size is not a guaranteed protection.

I lost a full-grown hen to my friend's tiny dachshund. It happened in a flash. She slipped under the fence, grabbed the hen, shook it and broke its neck.

My shepherd/lab mix will always be separated from the hens. She's the type to stare and quiver at them.

 

[lady feathers]

Some dogs will get jealous if you don't give them a chance to be a part of what is going on (which cn lead to more problems with the chickens)..... you can still introduce your st bernards to the chicks just don't trust any dog around them unsupervised. You never know how they will react to something new that the chicks do. I'm not sure your dogs ate a chick.... could have been a nasty peck to them from one of the chicks, facial wounds bleed pretty bad! If you want them to feel included keep calm and relaxed while you handle one of the chicks in your lap letting them smell the new baby, if you are comfortable with your dogs being still and laying on the ground you can let the chicks one at a time down on the ground next to the dogs so they can investigate safely. If anyone gets too excited remove them, they have to stay calm inorder to see the babies. My dog is a plott hound they are used for huntin coons and bears (the breed that is, not ours)... very big drive! However, he has no issues with our full grown free-range chickens and is left outside on the farm with them unsupervised throughout the day....we never however, leave him alone with te babies. They move too quickly and it catches his attention gets him exited to play and he can be too rough trying to paw at them. But if we are with him he does great, they climb all over him he loves it! Some dogs can never be trusted with chickens.... just the nature of them! You have to make the call and start training them one way or the other either they are off limits completely or they have to behave themselves around them! Only you can determne what will work for you and your dogs!

 

[jgervais]

yeh - I would also say size is not a good indicator of trust. I have a 65lb 'pound hound' and an 18lb boston terrier and the boston is the one to look out for!

I used somewhat of a three step process to 'teach' them the best I could that they were not toys. Being in control and using your best "I'm in control' voice really helps.

Cute story and some pics here of us training the dogs -- We really hope they will become the chickens protectors and hope to only let the chickens out when the dogs are there to protect them... so far so good
http://simplelifeainteasy.blogspot.com/2011/04/friend-or-food-encouraging-your-dogs.html

 

[sosweetjojo]

Not to change the subject but can anyone tell me when i have to separate my roos from the hens, they are 4 week and 3 day old and there is 17 roos and 13 pullets. Are they ok to grow together or not. i just don't no.

 

[SIMPleChick]

Sierra, My German Shepherd and my little terrier LOVE the baby chicks! My german shepherd would lick the chicks to death if we would let her! Some times she gets too rough and we have to send her out of the room during chicken time but as the chicks have gotten older they will peck at her eyes and nose if they disagree with being licked. My dog gets her feelings hurt and pouts after that but she got what she deserved! LOL! Taking the chickens out during the day I do have to watch them together, Sierra playes Miss. Police officer and trys to herd the chickens and when they fly and jump she will think they are toys and go after them (not in a mean way, she just wants to play!). Today SIerra was laying in the grass chewing on a football and one of the chicks came to peck at the ball, so Sierra thinks the chicken wants to play! I had to stop that FAST! LOL! Dogs may mean well but they are still dogs!