English Shepherd as Poultry Guardian

[centrarchid]

Welping may be imminent. Honey has come into house and insist on staying near bed kids sleep in. She is digging about, panting a lot, getting irritable with other dogs. Will be a little early, but I made estimate for birth based on last day of mating that lasted almost a week.

 

[aart]

How exciting!

Have had cats whelp, but not dogs.
Had to put down my 'last' dog yesterday.

 

[fisherlady]

Sorry to hear that aart... I can only imagine how difficult a time it is for you.

 

[centrarchid]

At 3 pups. More appear to be coming.

 

[centrarchid]

Appears seven will be the final number. Pups with good size and very uniform. Coloration is where they represent most of patterns English Shepherds are known for. Both parents heterozygous for a lot several alleles impacting coat color.

 

[aart]

What, no pics?!

 

[centrarchid]

Sex ratio somewhat skewed. Six females and one male.

Honey produces a distinctive growl that has a gurgling component when Ben approaches. Ben acts like he is on dope when smelling anywhere near they pups. Pups getting bellies already from abundant milk / colostrum.

It has been over 30 years since I last had a litter of pups to care for. Time flies. My kids are really into this effort. Son will be training one pup as part of his 4H endeavors.


Puppy pile when Homey left them for first time.

 

[centrarchid]

Ben and Lucy staying tight near house. We also have several dead things in yard now that I am sure Honey will be consuming. The staying tight makes so barn is not being checked as I want although Lucy went out patrolling at least twice.

 

[aart]

Sex ratio somewhat skewed. Six females and one male.

WOW, wish that happened with my chicks!
Is that good for puppies, will you be selling some/most?

Hope you don't mind @centrarchid that I lightened your pic:

 

[centrarchid]

Two puppies have destinations for certain. One to stay with us where it will be used to guard farm and work small flock of sheep that will be part of an intensive grazing system. Same pup will be part of son's 4-H canine project. The second will be incorporated into poultry project at my place of work where it will be paired with an Akbash. Two more are probables for Indiana to work as farm dogs. Remaining three will be found homes ideally of the farm type.