Our dogs got 3 of our chickens today

[Molly Mojo]

Accidents happen and we learn from them as we go.

We can be as prepared and cautious as possible and still have times that it’s not enough.

I lost two chicks, one to a personal accident and another who somehow escaped and ended up a dog toy.

I cried so much over both, but I learned from it and did better.

I have to announce to house of 10 not to let one of the dogs out when I have the babies out.

They still do it (even the adults) so I just have to stay there when I let them out. The dog is absolutely fine with the 3+ months chickens. She only now tries to sneak around and eat their food.
A few have given her a hard peck on the nose and she keeps her distance now.

So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you are learning and working on a more secure environment And you are getting some great advice.

Don’t be discouraged or too hard on yourself. No one in my house has the enthusiasm about the chickens that I do, so I know they are pretty much my responsibility and I just have to be more careful than the others.

 

[M Brennen]

Not yet, the most we had done was use the “leave it” command when transporting the chicks to their pen from the indoor brooder tank each morning and evening. I was waiting for the chicks to get big enough to give a few nasty pecks if threatened since the dogs are both under 25 pounds. As little chicks, my dog would actually lick her chops when looking at them, so I was pretty afraid to try to introduce them.

So sorry for you. We have just decided to keep our dogs separate from the birds. It’s easier than worrying about it. Good luck.

 

[Angelbirdy]

Accidents happen and we learn from them as we go.

We can be as prepared and cautious as possible and still have times that it’s not enough.

I lost two chicks, one to a personal accident and another who somehow escaped and ended up a dog toy.

I cried so much over both, but I learned from it and did better.

I have to announce to house of 10 not to let one of the dogs out when I have the babies out.

They still do it (even the adults) so I just have to stay there when I let them out. The dog is absolutely fine with the 3+ months chickens. She only now tries to sneak around and eat their food.
A few have given her a hard peck on the nose and she keeps her distance now.

So sorry for your loss. It sounds like you are learning and working on a more secure environment And you are getting some great advice.

Don’t be discouraged or too hard on yourself. No one in my house has the enthusiasm about the chickens that I do, so I know they are pretty much my responsibility and I just have to be more careful than the others.
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Molly Mojo, thank you so much for your kind words. It really helped me feel a little better about my part in the situation. We got the remaining girls and boy in the new coop last night and I’m so relieved!