English Shepherd as Poultry Guardian

[aart]

I am not keen on donating two dogs to a project that provides me no return, but they may be the reality.

So you were going to(or still are?) donate 2 of your puppies to someone that doesn't know how to handle LDGs?

 

[centrarchid]

So you were going to(or still are?) donate 2 of your puppies to someone that doesn't know how to handle LDGs?

Puppy(s) to be donated to university poultry program. I was to donate one as a English Shepherd and another party was to donate an Akbash x Great Pyrenees. The other party started with two dogs, but now down to zero. Intent was to have two dogs because of acreage involved. We will be tying up at least 20 acres although only a few acres at a time will be in use. Dog(s) will have to be able to move back and forth between locations that may be spaced by a couple hundred yards or more.

I will be involved at least a little once the university takes possession. I will help on dog side and do some very limited poultry related research and extension.

 

[aart]

The other party started with two dogs, but now down to zero.

These the dogs killed because of eating stock?

 

[centrarchid]

These the dogs killed because of eating stock?

One killed, one re-homed for being deemed unsafe with stock. This does happen a lot. Most people will not admit it publicly. I bet more goes on with participants here than posted.

 

[aart]

One killed, one re-homed for being deemed unsafe with stock. This does happen a lot. Most people will not admit it publicly. I bet more goes on with participants here than posted.

Bummer...wonders if it was the dogs, or the keepers?

 

[centrarchid]

Dogs less than 18 months. Keepers

 

[centrarchid]

Pups battling over rank. I see this several times a day but frequency decreasing. It is now much easier to determine rank just by watching them move about. Previously, rank not so clear.

 

[centrarchid]

Pups not chasing chickens, but chickens have learned to get up promptly to keep cold noses from poking their butts at speed.

Flow checking making sure no free-range chickens are on the ground.

Pup Pup doing her bit too.

Best place for chickens is either deck or roof of house. Feirce, Random and Van on mission.

 

[aart]

to keep cold noses from poking their butts at speed.

 

[centrarchid]

This more of a chicken observation. Dogs like to chase fed ex truck. A group of four hens / pullets are running with dogs as latter runs toward road. Preference is no body chase fed ex. Also wish fed ex not make so many deliveries on our little road.