Not so much of a wild pest but my DOG

[HuntSam]

I am raising chicks for the first time and they are still in a brooder. I am using a large dog kennel with poly boards around the bottom to keep shavings in. My two year old husky/shepherd mix doesn't know what to think of the chicks and watches them like she would the birds and squirrels in the yard. She is easily trainable and very intelligent but I wanted to know if anybody had any suggestions on socializing her with them.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

That will be very tough. They have a high prey drive.
Over the last few years I've lost 14 chickens to the neighbor's husky/malamute crosses.

 

[Berner Mom]

I would think that socializing her with the chickens under supervision is a start. I would take a baby out and let her sniff it and if she is gentle praise her. If she is being ruff than go utt oh, take the chick away until she calms down and repeat. Only praise for calm behavior, and be consistent. Any roughness needs immediate consequences (ie: removal of chick) so that she doesn't associate them with play/prey. As they grow older and move around you will need to incorporate that into the dogs training so that they are part of the pack and to be protected. Be careful though as not all dogs will learn to be good with livestock. Supervision (as in on leash/controllable) is a must at all times until completely proven reliable.

 

[HuntSam]

I sat on the floor with her this morning next to the chicks and let her watch them. I plan to continue doing that until she learns to be calm laying next to the cage. I will introduce a chick to her outside the cage after she has calmed down around the cage. I had to go through the same process when introducing her to our cat. They now are very protective of each other so I know she is capable of it