the day before yesterday, something got one of our pullets, and it was very eaten. it was in the middle of the day (i was running errands from 2-5) and we're guessing it was a racoon or bobcat. anyway, we figured the only way to keep free range chickens safe from day-time predators is a good dog. so i'm wondering if any of you have input on the best kind of dog for a chicken bodyguard??
Be careful. Dogs are predators. Dogs that can be left unsupervised with poultry are the exception, not the rule.
A dog is more than just a protector of your property. There is alot of responsibility in owing a dog. Any dog you get will probably have to be trained a bit to leave the chickens alone. I have 3 dogs. The lab/bc cross had to be trained to leave the chickens and guineas alone. One mini doxie will chase them for about two seconds. I think she enjoys making them fly off. The other mini doxie really doesnt care either way. Check out your local shelter or rescue. Try www.petfinder.com You can visit dogs at shelters and get a "feel" for the dogs personality and fit for your lifestyle and family. Good luck on your search for your perfect dog
Even tho I can't trust my dogs alone with my chickens I know they're the reason that I don't have more problems with raccoons, coyotes, and foxes getting my chickens. I've got two husky mixes (one is my house dog) and a rat terrier.
Female German Shepherd. Great disposition, super easy to train (practically train themselves). BUT you can't trust one alone with your chickens. No matter what I do, how I do it, she is going to eat my chickens given the chance. But she does an outstanding job keeping all the other predators away.
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Quote:I have a Bernese Mountain Dog that would not hurt a fly unless they were hurting one of her kitty or poultry friends. She is my only dog I can trust with my poultry and I have left her unattended with them if I had to run inside for something and always come back out and she is in the exact down-stay I left her on watching over the poultry. I also have 2 other dogs of different breeds that would eat whatever poultry they could get to if I let them out with the poultry so they are always kept put away when the poultry are out running in the yard. I don't think I would ever leave the place while my poultry were free-ranging though as they is too much risk of neighbor dogs, coyotes, foxes, ect. getting to them and harming my dog as she tried her best to protect them. She is not even left alone outside when we are away from home. You never know what could come attack while you are away so it's best to keep them in a secure pen when you are not at home to supervise.
I've heard that Great Pyrenees(sp?) are good livestock dogs but I have no personal experience with this breed. They aren't meant to be pets but are working dogs. Be forewarned these are large dogs and I have read that they aren't the 'do tricks' type of dog. They are also expensive but perhaps you could find a mixed breed with some Great Pyrenee in its background.
PLEASE rescue a dog or puppy! They will be forever grateful! This is our livestock gaurdian. He is like 100 years old but does a great job of keeping things away and is really gentle with the chickens, even when he is unsupervised. He is lab/burnese mountain dog.