Introducing chicks to our dogs :)

[HedwigsMum]

Hi

I'm not at all concerned about our dogs harming the chicks; they are very manageable, although they do get pretty rambunctious when they're excited.

My real worry is the chicks dying from fear. In the literature that came home from the school, it says not to expose them to dogs, because even a docile pet can frighten them enough to kill them.

I do know people whose dogs are around their chickens without any issues, but now my daughter is absolutely terrified about this. I promised her we will hold off on introductions for a bit, but I'm not sure waiting very long would be beneficial. I guess my way of thinking is if the dogs are "part of the landscape", they're less likely to cause problems.

We are fortunate that our chicks have their own room (spare bedroom) in an in-law suite - with two doors and a couple of rooms separating them from the "main house". It is now referred to as "the chick's room". Lol.
We haven't let the dogs in the in-law suite since bringing the babies home.

I appreciate any insight anyone can offer!

 

[pennyJo1960]

What breeds, ages are the dogs ? most breeds have to be trained to interact with birds
and excited can kill

 

[HedwigsMum]

What breeds, ages are the dogs ? most breeds have to be trained to interact with birds
and excited can kill

Cooper is a 4-year-old chocolate lab, and Ziggy is an almost 3-year-old hound/lab mix.
I wouldn't let them free to approach the babies; theirs will definitely be slow introductions. I planned to crate them near each other to start off, because they'll absolutely be curious and excited.

 

[hillbilly91]

Hi

I'm not at all concerned about our dogs harming the chicks; they are very manageable, although they do get pretty rambunctious when they're excited.

My real worry is the chicks dying from fear. In the literature that came home from the school, it says not to expose them to dogs, because even a docile pet can frighten them enough to kill them.

I do know people whose dogs are around their chickens without any issues, but now my daughter is absolutely terrified about this. I promised her we will hold off on introductions for a bit, but I'm not sure waiting very long would be beneficial. I guess my way of thinking is if the dogs are "part of the landscape", they're less likely to cause problems.

We are fortunate that our chicks have their own room (spare bedroom) in an in-law suite - with two doors and a couple of rooms separating them from the "main house". It is now referred to as "the chick's room". Lol.
We haven't let the dogs in the in-law suite since bringing the babies home.

I appreciate any insight anyone can offer!

this is my red heeler "chief" he is only 5months old. I have birds on tie cords, i have mommas with biddies, and birds in pens. He checks on them all and one day will keep predators away. The breed is very loyal and as long as you introduce them slow they usually do fine.

 

[HedwigsMum]

I meant to add that even after they're introduced, the dogs will always be leashed if the chickens are roaming.
I think what scared me was the potential fright from the mere sight of my guys.

 

[HedwigsMum]

View attachment 1554245 this is my red heeler "chief" he is only 5months old. I have birds on tie cords, i have mommas with biddies, and birds in pens. He checks on them all and one day will keep predators away. The breed is very loyal and as long as you introduce them slow they usually do fine.

@hillbilly91 Thanks for your reply, and love the photo! ❤
I'm happy to take things as slowly as necessary. We can't predict how the dogs will react, so it will all be very controlled.
They don't bother with my neighbour's ducks, but I'd never assume the same for the chicks.

 

[hillbilly91]

@hillbilly91 Thanks for your reply, and love the photo! ❤
I'm happy to take things as slowly as necessary. We can't predict how the dogs will react, so it will all be very controlled.
They don't bother with my neighbour's ducks, but I'd never assume the same for the chicks.

 

[pennyJo1960]

Cooper is a 4-year-old chocolate lab, and Ziggy is an almost 3-year-old hound/lab mix.
I wouldn't let them free to approach the babies; theirs will definitely be slow introductions. I planned to crate them near each other to start off, because they'll absolutely be curious and excited.

Your labs are bird dogs they will try to catch the birds it is their breeding always a good strong leash and a good fence between them is best

 

[hillbilly91]

Your labs are bird dogs they will try to catch the birds it is their breeding always a good strong leash and a good fence between them is best

It depends on the dog. My red heeler is bred for cattle sheep and goat herding and he does fine with our chickens and is learning other animals arnt welcome

 

[pennyJo1960]

His dogs are Labradors he said