frightened pullets

[aldarita]

Hi everyone!
I am new in keeping chickens. I have 9 pullets 15 weeks old. I have them free ranging (under my supervision) and they were doing great until yesterday. My neighbor's dog got loose and came to our property and scared them.They have been in their coop since then and I can only get them out just for a few minutes but they go back to the coop. I live in south Texas and it is pretty hot right now, I worry about them getting too hot in the coop. The coop has very good ventilation and lots of breeze. Also they have a huge run that is very well protected (the dog could not get in it) however they don't even want to come in the run. How long will they be scared? will they go back to be their happy selves?
Thanks for your help in advance I am truly worried about them.

 

[teach1rusl]

Yes, they'll come around eventually, but it could be a good week or two before they do. You can help speed up the process by sitting in the run and talking in a calm voice, and sprinkling bits of treat about.

After things settle down, if you think the dog incident has the potential of happening again, you might "borrow" the neighbor's dog and walk it on leash around the chicken run just for a few minutes each (or every other) day for a week or two. If the dog is familiar w/the birds and vice versa, there's a better chance that nothing ugly will happen if the dog gets loose and your chickens are out in the future. My neighbor's dog can come over and she pays no attention to my chickens walking about my yard, which is a big relief.

 

[aldarita]

Great advise! thanks a lot. I've been sitting with them and giving them treats. I will certainly follow the advise about the dog so they won't be so scared when they see him (if it happens again)