No fence, will they run off?

[jvls1942]

I would not let them run free , as you said there’s dogs near by one mouthful and you’ve lost 4 chicks .

Get a dog crate take the plastic tray out so they’re on the grass. A fence won’t help because they will be flying over it soon.


With 36 it could go bad very fast! Hope for the best but plan for the Worst

what size dog crate will hold 36 half grown chickens ??

 

[jvls1942]

when I go into the coop I holler loud. I talk loud, I have no such thing as a flighty chicken
I don't bother coaxing them into the coop.
they learn that all on their own.
BTW, not all dogs are predatory.
both of my maremma LGD ignore all the assorted birds I have. there is no such thing as a stray dog coming after my chickens.. my dogs won't allow it..
I have not closed the chicken coop at night for 8 years. never had a chicken killed in that coop since I built it, over 45 years ago
of course, before the dogs , I did lose lots of chickens outside of the coop..
no four legged critter successfully ventures into our yard without being noticed, even before they get to the yard.
.......jiminwisc......

 

[Northern.Ontario]

Hi, I have chickens that are both 2.5 months and 3 weeks old.

Occasionally I let them out but I stay right with them because they typically scatter into their own groups. Having 36 chickens doesn't make it any easier. I am afraid they will wander off and not come back. They have went into the neighbor's fence but ran right back when the dog went after them.. Any experience or advice?

Get electric poultry fencing or they will be killed by predators!!!

 

[OhZark Biddies]

...
of course, before the dogs , I did lose lots of chickens outside of the coop..
no four legged critter successfully ventures into our yard without being noticed, even before they get to the yard.

That's a good point, if there is a dog to protect them, then the fence might not be needed, but since the OP didn't mention a dog of her own...I did look at her intro post, and saw mention of a Rotweiler that keeps an eye on the chickens.

I will add that as a kid we had dogs that kept the critters away, but they weren't sheppard type breeds, so one day we came home from church to yard full of dead chickens... the dogs had gone off for their own adventure and left the chickens unattended.

I mention this just to point out that while many dogs will keep chicken killers away, Livestock Guaridian Dogs and other sheppard type breeds are probably better suited to the task... we later had a blue healer (aka Australian cattle dog) that was raised around our chickens from a pup, and she would obsess over them and even scatter the flock when a hawk would fly over.

Other posts I've read on this site mention that chickens got killed with the family dog was inside for a bit, and something snuck in killed the chickens.

So all food for thought...

 

[jvls1942]

The dog can't be on watch 24/7. Predators are bold and will sometimes learn the schedule of your dog, then snatch a chicken when the dog is not around.

not 24/7 ?? I defy any thing or any one to come onto my property at any time, day or night..
You do not know this breed of dog with a statement like that..

 

[imnukensc]

Mine free range on 2 acres. I let them out of the run about 9:30 AM every morning. They don't run off and are back in the coop to roost at dusk. They visit the run a few times a day to get a bite to eat/drink or go in the coop to lay eggs.

 

[snow5164]

You are asking me what size of dog crate? Obviously this is ment for chicks , the 3 week old would easily have room in a large crate .

Your not looking for a permanent solution here, just a run on the grass with safety .Why can’t you put them in your run? You can clicker train them all you want , but when that dog comes over ... good luck they won’t be listening to you

I have Great Dane kennels that I’ve raised chicks in... do you have a better suggestion ??

what size dog crate will hold 36 half grown chickens ??

 

[ShanasCastle]

People overlook how easy it is to train chickens to come to you on a signal.

First get them used to receiving a regular treat from you while you make a "signal" in the form of a sight and sound cue. I use a clicker you can get from PetSmart for a buck. Or you can use a special word or phrase when handy out treats. In no time, your chickens will come right to you when you use the verbal or sight cue.

Also, young chicks want to remain close to cover, realizing they are prey, and they usually want to be in close range of security. If there's a dog loose that has access to the area where the chickens range, that's inviting tragedy. Dogs are predators by nature.

That's fabulous advice! I'm new here too so appreciate the experience & willingness of others to share their practices! Turns out that I may be doing things right without knowing I was training! I love animals and am one of those people who tend to appreciate the company of animals over people. So, as I walk to the coop I'm already talking to them (trying to get them use to my voice, body language, & quick movement). I'm SURE that my neighbors think I am insane but...as I approach, I call "chook, chook, chook". I say "good morning" when opening coop to the run in the morning and placed solar lights outside run/coop. When they come on, I go out, calling "chook...." & Saying "it's bed time". I've only had them about two weeks now and they are already heading for the coop at dusk. I go out after noon with scratch, again telling them what I'm doing. Same, when it's hot and I bring out watermelon or frozen block treats. So far, so good!

 

[ShanasCastle]

That's fabulous advice! I'm new here too so appreciate the experience & willingness of others to share their practices! Turns out that I may be doing things right without knowing I was training! I love animals and am one of those people who tend to appreciate the company of animals over people. So, as I walk to the coop I'm already talking to them (trying to get them use to my voice, body language, & quick movement). I'm SURE that my neighbors think I am insane but...as I approach, I call "chook, chook, chook". I say "good morning" when opening coop to the run in the morning and placed solar lights outside run/coop. When they come on, I go out, calling "chook...." & Saying "it's bed time". I've only had them about two weeks now and they are already heading for the coop at dusk. I go out after noon with scratch, again telling them what I'm doing. Same, when it's hot and I bring out watermelon or frozen block treats. So far, so good!

Darn....I forgot! I also downloaded an app of chicken sounds, when they are restless I play a few of the calm hen noises. Trying to get them use to being handled, I hummed to them last night while petting the One hen who allows it. Today, the others are coming closer to me and not so skiddish! Idk if it's right or not but I just employ the Momma tricks. Repetitive, calm, patience, love.

 

[Kayla's Lunch]

If the dog lives outside with his charges, then he is on 24/7. I had a Great Pyrenees as a pet and she was always aware of everything. She constantly knew everything that was going on all around us. She knew who lived where and didn't like it if one neighbor went to another neighbors house. She was my first experience with a livestock guardian dog and she totally amazed me. She died many years ago. I wish she was still with me to guard my chickens! I don't think she would have even needed to be trained. It was so natural to her.