Is there any special way that I can introduce my chicks to my dogs?

[kiaya611]

I have 42 5 week old chicks and I also have 4 dogs. I wanted then to be able to get along together. I was wondering if there is any special way to introduce them so that they will become used to being around each other? I don't worry about any of the dongs except one. That one is actually my nephews dog that I am taking care of, but he will be here for a while, so I included him. I have a coop and chicken yad that the chicks will go in where they cannot have contact with the dogs, but I was hoping that maybe if I introduced them early enough that they would get along.

I know that dogs can be a problem for chickens, but I have also seen where they get along fine.

Please let me know any tricks (if there are any) to getting them all to get along.

Thanks,

 

[pipermark]

Very carefully and under constant supervision. Also if your dogs do not obey your commands instantly, especially NO. Then I wouldnt even attempt it.

 

[girlsnboys]

pipermark is right. I have 2 English Setters. One has been with me since before my first chickens and the other came to us after the chickens. Both are well trained by both me and the hens. The dogs have gotten their noses pecked enough times that they keep their distance. I now have 3 wo chicks too. I have held the chicks for the dogs to smell and check out every day. I give them the command "off" each time and they know not to touch the chicks. I am now letting the chicks outside in a small chicken wire "pen" on nice days and the dogs are very interested. I let them watch the chicks and sniff but if they get pushy at all they are reminded that it is not allowed. If your dogs have a strong prey drive you will have problems. Just remember, if a dog is determined to get to a chicken, it will happen quicker than you can react. You will have to "read" your dogs reaction to the chickens very carefully. If there is any doubt, keep them separated.

 

[GoPups]

Introduce them one dog at a time, and inside if that's possible. If they are all together, they're a lot more likely to act as a pack and not listen to you. Trust me on that one!

 

[jimnjay]

I agree with trying one at a time.
I brought Killian inside the room where the chicks were. I had her lay down and them placed a few chicks right between her front legs. I told hen to be nice. She has always had toy stuffed animals so she knew to be nice. I let them investigate each other and made her stay. She then was made a part of the routine each day in taking care of them. At least she knows " lets go check the chickens " She is very uninterested at this point but has never tried to play or be rough with them.

Again if your dogs do not obey a command then it might be really tough.