Heartbroken and needing advice

[slou]

1 st two options get rid of puppy or keep him far away from the birds. Now for little one I 've heard toys are helpful, give extra attention she's traumatised. So sorry for your loss loss

We have tried several times to adopt her out but she also has dog aggression issues too so we have been unsuccessful and I don’t have it in me to leave her at a shelter. I have kids so I am between a rock and a hard place on this, if another accident happens we lose more chickens which is devastating or we surrender a dog that’s been in our family, which is also devastating. I’m really struggling. We have a trainer coming today but I’m not sure what will come of it.

 

[Joeschooks]

What a sad story. I'm so sorry this has happened.

I would see if you can get a couple more around the same age. I agree with Song of Joy that 10 weeks is early but continue to integrate them slowly (in sight of the other birds or segregated with chicken wire etc, I'm sure you know the drill.) At least that way when they do finally all have access to each other if there is any bullying from the older girls it will be diluted between all the three newbies.

 

[Joeschooks]

We have tried several times to adopt her out but she also has dog aggression issues too so we have been unsuccessful and I don’t have it in me to leave her at a shelter. I have kids so I am between a rock and a hard place on this, if another accident happens we lose more chickens which is devastating or we surrender a dog that’s been in our family, which is also devastating. I’m really struggling. We have a trainer coming today but I’m not sure what will come of it.

Could you put the chickens behind an electric fence? That will keep the dog out!

 

[song of joy]

We have tried several times to adopt her out but she also has dog aggression issues too so we have been unsuccessful and I don’t have it in me to leave her at a shelter. I have kids so I am between a rock and a hard place on this, if another accident happens we lose more chickens which is devastating or we surrender a dog that’s been in our family, which is also devastating. I’m really struggling. We have a trainer coming today but I’m not sure what will come of it.

I feel your pain. My husband adopted a dog that has a high prey drive and seems very resistant to training. I'm dreading the day it gets loose and terrorizes and kills my flock. We are taking precautions, but accidents can and do happen, as you've painfully experienced with your flock.

 

[rosemarythyme]

So sorry to hear about this happening. I'm glad you've already taken the step of consulting with a dog trainer instead of just giving up on it. Are your adult chickens currently free ranging or do they have a run available? I strongly urge that you keep the dog and chickens apart at all times, and to get your family completely onboard with that as well.

I also have a dog with a high prey drive and the rule in this house is if the dogs are outside, the chickens are in the run, and vice versa, regardless if there's someone supervising.

 

[ShannonMarie]

SO Sorry that is just so sad....

 

[Folly's place]

My current dogs also love chicken, and we have very good fencing to keep them apart. Training can work. but it's difficult, and meanwhile, separation is vital for everyone's safety.
Your lonely chick needs friends, either about the same age, or integration into your flock. She might possibly 'adopt' younger chicks, although littles need heat, and she doesn't.
Mary

 

[slou]

THANK you so much for all the kind words and advice! I’ve found a place that has 7-week old pullets and I’m planning on getting 3-4 and hoping she takes to them well and taking more time to integrate the whole flock. The have a new fenced run and big coop but I don’t have a separate fenced area inside so I’d been letting them free range in the yard to see and interact and supervising any quick pee outings the dog had (she’s great if we are there watching) but this one time I got distracted. So next step after new chicks and a few days hanging out in our large indoor cage is to get barrier up inside run so they can hang out there during the day.
Trainer recommended a citronella collar to curb her dog aggression and it was amazingly effective just in one session so we’ll try that too.
Thanks again, fingers crossed here!