NOOOOO I can't believe it.

[pkw]

I am really sorry for your loss. That is so sad

I hope you can get your flock back to where you have what you wanted (breeds and all).

 

[SassyT]

Thanks again for the support. I am heartbroke over the girls but now it is a question of getting rid of the pup. He trully is so sweet and cute. He gives me hugs when I pick him up and he is great with my son. The biggest concern I have with him is the rumors " once they taste the chicken they will continue to kill" I am sure it is a tale. What can you all recommend?

 

[noodleroo]

Try teaching him to only eat when you tell him he can. Check with someone near you that trains hunting dogs. I've done it so I know it can be done.

 

[Tala]

Quote:
It's true to some extent. Not the "taste" of chicken, per se, but the thrill of the chase!!!!!!!! The dog now knows that chasing (and killing) chickens is FUN!!!!!!! in his mind anyway...

There are people on here who have chicken killing dogs, and they have the land/fence/controls to make it work. I personally would NOT keep a known chicken-killer BECAUSE I KNOW that my DH would be the weak link in the household. He would let the dogs out one day without thinking (as I have read has happened to many a BYCers) and I'd be out a hundred birds...
You can teach the dog not to chase the chickens, but the trick is to make chasing chickens NOT fun. Since your dog already has learned that it can be fun, you will probably have to use an e-collar on him everytime he thinks about chasing a chicken. I still wouldn't trust him when you weren't right there, because the dog definitely knows and takes into consideration whether or not you are watching him. Is it worth it??

You just have to do what works for YOU.

 

[catdaddy66]

I know the pain you feel from your loss and my heart goes out to you! On 4/30/10 I was called at work by my SD, telling me my flock of 30 were DEAD!! All killed by dogs...my 2 and 2 from neighbors. The very next day I went to the local F & S store hoping for a miracle, and it happened! They had 4 of the 6 breeds I lost, so I bought 3 each of BR, RIR, EE and BSL's. The BSL's were 2 weeks older and all are about ready to leave the brooder for the Big Coop!

Hope your newbies help you heal from the bitter experience you have had. Good luck!

P.S. Make sure the coop is proofed for all predators and the dog will never disappoint you ever again.