Hens Being Agressive towards small dogs

[JennF]

My moms 2 small dogs were chased and attacked today by 3 hens (approx 18 months old). Up till now no issues. The hens actually ran across the yard and chased them under the car and kept pecking them. Any ideas why the sudden change in behavior? We have had no problems until now.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

Possibility the dogs were messing with the hens.Some are just protective.How long have the dogs been there?
Possibility the hens are broody?

 

[JennF]

5 of the 6 hens are new to our flock. The alpha hen Queenie has been around the dogs for over a year. The others only a month. Queenie thinks she is a dog and lines up for a treat. The others were ok until today. Could they be more comfortable now and wanting to rule the roost? They free range during the day and have plenty of room to explore.. maybe they thought they were getting treats and chased the dogs away??

 

[pdirt]

Since 80% of your flock is new, that is a HUGE change in a chicken's world. It could be the newer birds are just starting to get comfortable in their new digs and now feel comfortable enough to assert their territorial boundaries. Whereas before they were too unsure/scared to do anything with the dogs.

 

[TheTwoRoos]

agreed.Chickens are territorial and may see the dogs as flock memebers or if they have never seen a dog they may find it a dangerous,but easy target.When I got my new pups the chickens knew they were not the dogs they were use to and would attack them.

Also,my neighbors let their dog run threw our yard and the hens would run and flog it.

 

[JennF]

Thank you all

 

[aart]

Aww...poor pups...but it sure sounds like an excellent AFV scenario.

 

[TalkALittle]

I purposely introduced my new pup to the chickens when I first got him at 8 weeks just so the birds might teach him a lesson. My broody bantams happily obliged and gave him a couple good frights, puffing up and running at him with wings flapping. He has a healthy amount of respect for them that I'm hoping he will carry with him as he grows.