Resident dogs attacked chickens while I'm pet sitting

[Ngiovanni]

I'm currently pet sitting for 2 dogs and a flock of 10 chickens. On Wednesday morning the dogs got ahold of one of the chickens after it got out of the coop. I've had her in a box in the bathroom with straw, food and water. She's had some scrambled eggs. She's eating, drinking, moving about in the box. There is a small wound on her back that looks more like a scrape than a puncture. I cleaned the wound and put Bactine on it which has lidocaine, antimicrobial and a liquid bandage. The owners should be home Monday. I've attached a picture of the wound when it happened and today. Does it look like it's healing?

How do I safely stop the dogs once they've gotten a hold of a chicken. They were in a frenzy. They let go once, the chicken got away then they got it again before I could stop them. They're huge dogs. 120 lb Akitas. I've heard that after a dog attacks a chicken they'll be drawn to do it again. Is that true. The owners said they ignored the coop previously. The chickens have been out in the yard for only a couple of weeks.

 

[CabritaChicks]

Just so we're clear: Akitas aren’t an easy breed, I lived in Asia. They were bred to hunt large game, so chasing and catching things (crushing) is instinctive for them. This isn’t a minor quirk — it’s in their DNA. If they’ve gone after the chickens once (while their owners are away), chances are they see them as entertainment, not something to respect.

They also won’t just magically “know better,” especially if the owners are the only ones who set firm boundaries. Honestly, if they’re bored, chickens are just moving toys.

So while you’re caring for them, it’s crucial you keep them both physically and mentally drained. Long play sessions, puzzle feeders, new toys, basic obedience drills — whatever keeps their brains busy. A tired Akita is far less likely to go looking for fun at the chickens’ expense.

CAUTION: Any topical ending in “-caine” or “-cane” (like Bactine, Novocaine, Lidocaine, Benzocaine, and others) can be dangerous — and potentially deadly — to chickens. Birds have very different metabolisms and enzyme systems than mammals. They can’t properly break down or excrete these drugs

IS THE CHICKEN DRINKING?

What is on there is done, don't reaply that mess. Dilute betadine is great for wound flushes- make sure that chicken is drinking and eating. Definitely check for breathing issues- any panting?

 

[Ngiovanni]

She's eating and drinking. Clucking, moving around. The wound looks much better today. I'll try my best to keep them occupied and tire them out. The only issue is the male has an acl tear on one of his back legs so he has limited mobility (except when it comes to chasing chickens) I don't want him to injure it more than it already is. He has an appointment for surgery when they come back. I'll look into enrichment that doesn't require much movement. I appreciate the advice.

 

[Eggcessive]

That first pictured wound is deep, and either an organ or muscle is showing. I would use saline or a wound spray without pain killer to clean it twice daily. Then apply plain Neosporin or triple antibiotic ointment twice a day. Keep her separated and away from flies while healing. The rooster may have a tendon issue that could heal with rest and limited activity.

 

[WingItRanch]

Wow I'm sorry to hear you're having so much trouble pet sitting. Try to stick to saline and neosporin (the kind without pain killer) for poultry.

As for the dogs, if they grab a chicken, don't try to interfere with your body. You can try to call them off but don't get between them and their prey for your own safety. They could be the sweetest dogs in the world but once they focus in on predator instinct, they can be dangerous.

You're a good person for caring so much for the owner's dogs and chickens. Hopefully the hen will heal and the dog's surgery goes well. And hopefully the owners will learn a valuable lesson about separating these dogs from the chickens.