Hello LovinMyHensInNC!
I saw your post, and I finally signed up. I have had a Great Pyr for 4 years now. I bought him as a 12 week old pup. I own sheep and was of course concerned about coyotes. I also want to tell you, that I knew, absolutely nothing about guardian dogs and training. I want to share my story of my wonderful dog and it may give some insight .
When I brought him home he spent the first night in the garage. The next day, I put him over by the barn where he could have access to the sheep. It was very heartbreaking, to know this poor pup was yanked from mama, and "thrown" out into the wilderness". For the first week, he stayed to himself, then I noticed him finding his way to the sheep. He was small, and the sheep knew he was new. They picked on him for a day or two, then before I knew it they were all getting along like old friends. I did not socialize with him much at first, as I did not want him at the house. But i did love on him when I took him food.
I eventually started hanging out in the pasture with him and the sheep. I was out in the pasture one evening, and coyotes started howling. He bristled up and off he went barking to let them know there was a new kid on the block. Of course he was only 16 weeks old by now, and was not much of a fighter, but the instinct was there.
He has done a wonderful job as a guardian dog. He loves his sheep. The first year when he was here during lambing was truly amazing. I have over 40 ewes, so lambing inside is not always an option. I came home one day and could not find him. I saw the neighbors dog trotting across the pasture and Josh (that's his name) came out from beind a hay bale,Took after the intruder and rolled that australian shepherd,sending it for home. I went over to where he was hiding behind the hay bale, and was I surprised!!! A ewe had lambed with twins, and he was laying there protecting her and her babies!
I knew that I had a very special friend, and a companion. It reminded me of the scripture about the True Shepherd > When the wolf comes, the hireling will flee but the true shepherd will stay with the flock. He definitely lived up to his name.
He even has a great amount of herding instinct. I eventually had problems with coyotes. I did not know until later just what the poor guy was up against. I heard coyotes near the pasture one night, I flew over in my pickup and spotlight in hand. He had all my sheep cornered up in the safest part of the pasture, and was running a perimeter around them, back and forth, back and forth! I later lost 4 lambs to what I thought was "a" coyote. I was very disapointed that he was not doing his job. I eventually saw that 6 coyotes were packing on him. 1 or 2 would distract him while the others were trying to make the bums rush. When I discovered what he was up against, I could not believe I had any lambs left at all. So the next day, I went and bought him an AK-47. And he became a very good shot I might add! I have not had anymore coyote problems.
I see that another poster, mentioned that the "goats were chew toys". There were times when I thought Josh was being a little rough on the sheep, but I now understand he was teaching them a certain amount of dominance over them. without that dominance, he would never had the ability to herd them into a safer area. He loves his sheep more than I do, He spnds night and day with them.
This is where the chickens come into the picture. This spring I purchased 50 Buff Orpingtons and 100 cornish crosses. I have them cooped out back of the house and allow them to free range during the day.Before, He very rarely came to the house. Now that I have my chickens,He includes the "chicken area" in his hourly patrols. He likes to occasionally bust the flock, but shows absolutely no interest in getting feathers in his mouth.
The only advice I have for you with your birds, is a pup will probably be too rough on smaller birds if allowed direct contact while the dog is young..But I think that if they are in their "perimeter" that the birds will be well protected. The key is bonding at a young age. Think of a good young pyr as a brand new hard drive.The program is in their head, you just need to let the program do what it's meant to do. You want them to bond with your animals they are to protect. A good guardian will show signs of protecting their perimiter at a young age. If they do'nt, find them a good home and do not waste your time.And continue your search.I would definitely stick with a purebred Pyr, but do not be too concerned about them being papered. To purchase, I would recommend finding a seller, that have Pyr's that are actually being used as guardian animals. My dog has no papers, but is a purebreed. It is normal for them to have 6 claws on their hind feet, It looks odd, but that is just a genetic trait of them.If they do not have this extra dew claw, keep looking, you're eyes are not focused on a true Pyr.
I believe, that the perfect pyr is out there somewhere. If you find it, you will put a price tag of "not for sale at any price". They will bark more than wanted when young., but will grow out of it as soon as they think that "the bad guys know I'm here."
I understand now, why Pyr's are called the "gentle giants" My Josh, is VERY protective when he is around his sheep. He has never bitten anyone that I know of, but will let strangers know that they will have to work for their rack of lamb. Now when he's away from his sheep, is another story. He is the most wonderful pet. My brother has a mini dachsund/chi mix. That little dog growls and hangs from Josh's fur with his teeth, and Josh just looks at him like he's a gnat!
So after all of my blathering, I would Have to say Yes, if you have a protective Pyr, then you can sleep soundly all night long. He or she will be on duty, rest assured! GOOD LUCK!
Jim in n.w. missouri
A Great Pyrenees female, 9 weeks old, raised with goats, cats and chickens. So far she is GREAT! I know she has to grow up but she sticks to me like glue while making rounds and hasn't chased anything yet. 
