Our Dogs vs. Our Chickens

[Studio2770]

We have 2 labs and a pekingese. Our chicks are about 5-7 weeks old and we plan to have them free ranging too, but the dogs gotta go out! The dogs watch them walk around in their coop and run, but they get excited when the chicks start running around. I'm thinking of having them on a leesh when the chicks are in the yard until they behave. Any other suggestions?

 

[centrarchid]

Initiate process of training dogs not to mess with chickens. Look carefully into threads with parties that do train dogs and have kept poultry and dogs together for a long time. Avoid those with negative takes on such arrangements because in most cases they have not been successful keeping poultry and dogs and do not know how to proceed.

 

[4 the Birds]

We have 2 labs and a pekingese. Our chicks are about 5-7 weeks old and we plan to have them free ranging too, but the dogs gotta go out! The dogs watch them walk around in their coop and run, but they get excited when the chicks start running around. I'm thinking of having them on a leesh when the chicks are in the yard until they behave. Any other suggestions?

Your birds should be within a free range fenced area or at least netting. It is just too easy for them to get snatched up or for them to wander off too far. You could very well train your dogs but there will always be the threat of a neighbor dog, coyote, or other predator. A fence will not be predator proof but it deter threats and make your life easier as the birds are out and about.

 

[chfite]

My Aussie was quite interested in the little cheeping things when the chickens were small. By the time they feathered out, not so much. He hangs around with the chickens all the time and pays them no mind.

Well, he has to hold counsel with the rooster from time to time.

Training is the key. Teach the dogs not to bother the chickens. Some dogs have a strong prey drive and might never overcome it. Australian Shepherds are bred to herd and care for animals.

If they don't respond to training, a fence is your best bet.

Chris

 

[BrendaJ]

There is a lot of info on here about training your dogs and birds to coexist in the learning center tabs above. Leash training is a good start. Having your property cross fenced is a good idea as well. Good luck