Dogs vs. Chickens

[DaisyMilo]

I'm thinking of getting bantams, although I have 2 Cavaliers that chase birds and want to eat them. We have a Pee Wee in our garden and after a month or so my dogs got use to it, I want my dogs to get use to the chickens. I know what their reaction will be when I get the chickens- sit there, bark, drool. The chickens will be in a secure coop and run with chicken wire down to 20cm deep(my dogs dig!) but I don't want my chickens to feel stressed with the dogs sitting their. I am willing to train my dogs. How ever long it may take I will do anything to train them. So, does anyone have any training tips or ideas. (I haven't got the chickens yet) Thank you for any help!!

 

[centrarchid]

Start with a very secure pen for birds that enables controlled exposure of chickens to dogs. Work on getting control of dogs and them used to the stimuli associated with chickens. You are most likely to be the weak link which improves as you get control over dogs. Find dogs other forms of intertainment. My dogs have access to free-range birds but takes a lot of time to make that happen. Work your dogs singly around birds. Invest in time, lots.

 

[SonoranChick]

My chickens are in a big enclosed coop, and sometimes the dogs will lay next to the door and be on guard or take a nap. That is the extent of their relationship. We tried for weeks to get the dogs to mind their manners around the chickens, even used an electric collar on our mastiffs. Nothing worked. My dogs are just hardwired to go after the chickens as prey. I gave up on trying to change their instincts and everyone seems to enjoy their personal space. Hopefully you have better luck with your animals :/

 

[Percheron chick]

A mean gander or guinea can train most dogs to be "good" around birds.

 

[DaisyMilo]

Thanks

I will see if I can train them not to bark around the chickens but if they don't want to leave I think I'll leave it. We had a chicken wander into our garden the other day, the dogs braked, but, once I stood over them and told them not to bark or go near to the fence one lost interest(and the other followed).

 

[aart]

I'm thinking of getting bantams, although I have 2 Cavaliers that chase birds and want to eat them. We have a Pee Wee in our garden and after a month or so my dogs got use to it, I want my dogs to get use to the chickens. I know what their reaction will be when I get the chickens- sit there, bark, drool. The chickens will be in a secure coop and run with chicken wire down to 20cm deep(my dogs dig!) but I don't want my chickens to feel stressed with the dogs sitting their. I am willing to train my dogs. How ever long it may take I will do anything to train them. So, does anyone have any training tips or ideas. (I haven't got the chickens yet) Thank you for any help!!

What's a Pee Wee?

Chicken wire is not good for predator proofing, most thing can chew thru it.

Burying chicken wire 20cm will not be as effective as a stronger wire 'apron' going out from run wall 30-45cm and buried 5cm.

 

[21hens-incharge]

What's a Pee Wee?

Chicken wire is not good for predator proofing, most thing can chew thru it.

Burying chicken wire 20cm will not be as effective as a stronger wire 'apron' going out from run wall 30-45cm and buried 5cm.

x2

Granted my dogs are MUCH larger but they have destroyed chain link fencing even.

I keep my dogs separated from the chickens with a chain link fence AND a hot wire. Perhaps if they are bound and determined to go after the chickens even in their run you can fence off a portion of the yard for the dogs.

 

[Folly's place]

x2! My terriers (think terrors!) are fenced in with 2"x4" woven wire, hot tape, and their original Invisible Fence. They don't EVER get out, but any chicken who invades their turf is history. My bird dogs, acquired as puppies, were not difficult to train to leave the chickens alone. The terriers who arrived as young adults were just too much trouble to reform. Separate but equal has worked for us with this pair. Cavaliers are soft and gentle souls, so maybe can be convinced to leave adult chickens alone. Barking at them is aggressive and also not good for anyone. Mary