I'm pretty sure my dog killed one of our chickens.

[elizaj57]

After being away for a few days, I let my chickens out in the yard to play for a while. Then, exhausted from the trip, I took a nap. I didn't realize my husband did the same, leaving our 7-month old Lab unsupervised in the same yard with the girls. I just went outside to find the dog with one of the birds in his mouth. I yelled, he released, and she seems okay. But another is missing. There are lots of feathers in the yard, I can't find a carcass and no blood. Is it possible she's still alive?

 

[b.hromada]

Awwwwww, I don't hope you find her okay.

 

[elizaj57]

I just found her. The dog buried her, feet-up, near the back door. I'd probably think it was a funny sight if I wasn't so darned sad. Now I don't know if the dog will be a chicken killer for life.

 

[ranchhand]

b.hromada :

Awwwwww, I don't hope you find her okay.

I DO hope you find her okay! My Lab and I have had this discussion. He killed one, but didn't eat it, and the other lost a lot of feathers but made it over the fence.
I now tape signs on the door that say no dogs out, so DH will keep the dogs in when the chickens are out.

So sorry about it, I do hope you find her soon. She is probably huddled under something.​

 

[ranchhand]

Oh heck, soooo sorry.

My Lab is usually pretty good, but he has a strong prey drive still at 4 1/2 years.

 

[elizaj57]

Thanks. He is a lab/German Shepherd mix, so his prey drive is pretty high. I'm afraid his days of playing in the yard when the chickens are out are over.

 

[gkeesling]

once he's killed a chicken then it's going to be real tough to ever break him of it. Better just be sure he's never around the chickens unsupervised.

 

[bethinoklahoma]

Im so sorry...
I also have a lab and a story.
My little lab is now 2 and a hand full. BUT he is MY dog and I have rules. I work with my dogs
alot. I have the time and room. Labs need to know what to do and what not to. Just work with
your dog and give him other jobs. A tired lab is a happy lab. Dont temp him and with time it will
not be a problem. My lab did a bad thing once but now I trust him 100 %...

 

[Tala]

It sounds like he was bored and just playing, so keeping them separated should work out for you.
It doesn't sound like your dog is going to go to great lengths to break into your coops or chicken pens.

Sorry for your loss