DOGS!!!

[VannahBee]

I have 2 mini Shar peis. And for the most part they leave my chickens alone. But once in a while they will kill one or as many as they can catch. It makes me so mad. Because I put so much time into making my chickens comfortable with me and I get special rare chickens. The last chicken I had was a phoniex that I found dead today after work. They break there neck and leave them alone. They dont even eat them. I hate to leave the chickens caged all day. But I dont know what else to do. The crazy part is i have a buff orpington that they dont even mess with. Does anyone have any advice for me. I know chickens and dogs dont get along. But any helpful ideas could be used.

 

[Perris]

chickens and dogs can get along; some even guard their flocks. You need to work on the dogs' training. Don't get mad with them, apply some firm discipline to them.

 

[svh]

One afternoon, a commanding voice, and a big stick, made it very clear to my 3 dogs, that they were NOT to harass the flock. I believe I was very lucky, (good ) as the dogs were already mature, knew I was alpha, and knew what was expected of them.

Age, breed, and temperament make a big difference, I'm sure.

That was in December of last year, and now they are best friends, and follow each other around. I think the dogs actually like the chickens, as they provide entertainment to them in the form of getting to chase off animals, and get the occasional peanut or raisin, come treat time for the chooks.

Your mileage may vary.

 

[hayley3]

I have 2 mini Shar peis. And for the most part they leave my chickens alone. But once in a while they will kill one or as many as they can catch. It makes me so mad. Because I put so much time into making my chickens comfortable with me and I get special rare chickens. The last chicken I had was a phoniex that I found dead today after work. They break there neck and leave them alone. They dont even eat them. I hate to leave the chickens caged all day. But I dont know what else to do. The crazy part is i have a buff orpington that they dont even mess with. Does anyone have any advice for me. I know chickens and dogs dont get along. But any helpful ideas could be used.

Unless you are a dog trainer, I would not let my dogs near my chickens.
I have a yorkie that will walk right past them one minute and the next think they are dinner so she is never, ever able to get to them unless she is on a leash.

 

[birdlover2]

I have 2 mini Shar peis. And for the most part they leave my chickens alone. But once in a while they will kill one or as many as they can catch. It makes me so mad. Because I put so much time into making my chickens comfortable with me and I get special rare chickens. The last chicken I had was a phoniex that I found dead today after work. They break there neck and leave them alone. They dont even eat them. I hate to leave the chickens caged all day. But I dont know what else to do. The crazy part is i have a buff orpington that they dont even mess with. Does anyone have any advice for me. I know chickens and dogs dont get along. But any helpful ideas could be used.

You certainly need to discipline them at the very least. Somebody on another thread said they used the Jeckle and Hyde techniche. Pick up a toy or something else the dog should have in one hand and play with them and praise them. If it's a treat let them eat it and praise them, but toys are most effective I would think. Then, when they're done playing or doing whatever u do with that item, then show them the dead chicken in the other hand and as soon as they go for it yell at them and scream and just go crazy, but don't hit them of course or do anything actually violent. This worked for their dog, I believe it was a golden retreiver, but it was also a pup so it could've been more willing to learn and easier to train. Be stern but fair in training them not to chase the chickens, and let them watch over the chickens when the training has progressed far enough, so they learn you love when they chase off predators, and they learn the chickens are fun but not food or toys. You should also keep them on a leash when teaching them how to behave around the chickens. You can let them herd the chickens, but not kill them. If training is not working or progressing, maybe try a professional trainer, but if even that doesn't work, you should rehome the dogs. If you love your chickens, you can't be letting your dogs kill them, that just isn't right.

 

[rosemarythyme]

Either fence the chickens in or fence the dogs out. A good solid fence with anti dig apron and maybe hot wire would solve the issue.