Sdwd

[kathyinmo]

Quote:

I am soooooo sorry for you!

 

[Cetawin]

Nella I cannot get any of those zip files to open

wwwwwwaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaah!!!!!!!


I have no choice now...must retreat to a hot bath

 

[X2Farm]

Quote:
Unfortunately, I know what'll happen if I bring Leia to the animal shelter, given her age. She's SUCH a great dog, other then her critter eating habit. She's very protective, docile, loveable, sweet, great with the kids....

Shock collars might be an option...She usually only goes outside to go potty, as she's generally stuck to me like glue otherwise. She was only out cuz she needed a bath after the muddy calf incident earlier this week.

Splat, ugh. She's usually protective of the birds, and watches over them like a Mama... but, I do know instinct will still win over, every time. Thats just Mother Nature. And she likes being outside, where she can run, keep an eye on things, and make sure all is well on the farm, so even a shock collar wouldn't work for times such as when I'm not home, or inside and she wants to go out to lay around. She at least deserves a life with someone else where she's not around livestock and can enjoy running around and being a pup

You cracked me up about the Horsey comment!

I can picture a little girl in pigtails, doing this

too funny

 

[NellaBean]

I have 4 dogs. 2 are chicken friendly, 2 are not. The 2 that aren't just aren't allowed in the backyard.....they are both old dogs. My little old poodle who just lost half her teeth (not sure how old) and my old shepherd mix who is about 13 now.

My 2 young dogs are chicken and duck friendly. My 3 year old shepherd mix is very trustworthy. He has no interested in them at all. My 10 month old chow mix is trustworthy when I am outside but I wouldn't leave her alone unsupervised......she is still too young to be trusted alone.

Both young dogs got together a few weeks ago and caught and killed a wild rabbit out back.....so they definitely have it in them. But separately, my older dog is totally trustworthy. I would leave him alone in the yard without hesitation. He is more interested in running the fenceline and barking at everything than bothering the chickens.

 

[NellaBean]

Quote:
I wonder why they won't open. Sigh.

I said 2 feet deep because it is more than enough for nighttime or bad weather. And it will fit with only a 2 inch overlap on your doors.

 

[NellaBean]

Cetawin, i'm sending them as individual files now.

 

[Serrin]

Quote:
Nicole, you so completely have my empathy for your situation.

After that long, they're no longer just dogs, but a part of the family. The recommendations Cetawin gives are all very good advice! It is possible to coexist peaceably with dogs and chickens together, but it takes a bit of effort. Certainly more effort than if your dogs couldn't care less about the birds, or are the opposite and are actually protective of them.

Take heart from knowing that in taking certain precautions now, you can "have your cake and eat it too" so to speak. And never once let your guard down. That is when I always hear of tragedy striking. In that one brief moment when someone left a gate open for just a second, or let the dog out the front door, forgetting that the chickens were outside in the back yard at the time. Never take any situation for granted. Dogs are opportunists, and are always watching and waiting for their chance. But, if you're truly vigilant, you can have both together.

I hope you can find a way to keep Leia at the very least. The other dog, I have to agree with Cetawin. Those two breeds combined are almost a guaranteed recipe for a bad outcome for the chickens and any other small animals in your care. Aussies like to herd and control. Labs, it's in the blood to hunt. That's what they were bred for: Upland game birds and water foul. At the very least, she's going to want to bring them to you. That alone could kill a young chicken just from fright.


But try it. See if you can find a way that works for everyone. You shouldn't have to let go of a pet that you love so much just because they're simply responding to their inbred instincts. I'll keep everything crossed and say my little prayers for a suitable outcome to this situation Nicole. You really do have my sympathies!

 

[X2Farm]

Ok, enough of my down evenin....

I got some good news!!

Frog clucked at me a few minutes ago, drank some more water, and shmoozed and puppy eyed at me

bad quality pic, but its from my phone

We're pickin up a few goats this weekend

to start our dairy flock, err, um, herd... dang.. too much chicken stuff for Nicole lately

3 Pygmys, 2 nannies and one buck

Amy-YAY

on chick snuggles

and the names, LOVE EM!!!

 

[X2Farm]

Quote:
Nicole, you so completely have my empathy for your situation.

After that long, they're no longer just dogs, but a part of the family. The recommendations Cetawin gives are all very good advice! It is possible to coexist peaceably with dogs and chickens together, but it takes a bit of effort. Certainly more effort than if your dogs couldn't care less about the birds, or are the opposite and are actually protective of them.

Take heart from knowing that in taking certain precautions now, you can "have your cake and eat it too" so to speak. And never once let your guard down. That is when I always hear of tragedy striking. In that one brief moment when someone left a gate open for just a second, or let the dog out the front door, forgetting that the chickens were outside in the back yard at the time. Never take any situation for granted. Dogs are opportunists, and are always watching and waiting for their chance. But, if you're truly vigilant, you can have both together.

I hope you can find a way to keep Leia at the very least. The other dog, I have to agree with Cetawin. Those two breeds combined are almost a guaranteed recipe for a bad outcome for the chickens and any other small animals in your care. Aussies like to herd and control. Labs, it's in the blood to hunt. That's what they were bred for: Upland game birds and water foul. At the very least, she's going to want to bring them to you. That alone could kill a young chicken just from fright.


But try it. See if you can find a way that works for everyone. You shouldn't have to let go of a pet that you love so much just because they're simply responding to their inbred instincts. I'll keep everything crossed and say my little prayers for a suitable outcome to this situation Nicole. You really do have my sympathies!

Thanks Amy

I AM having second thoughts right now. I'm 99% sure Leia will be fine, with vigilance on my part. Splat possibly too. Splats good to have around for when we work cows, she's generally a big help.. so its kind of a catch 22.

While Leia intends to kill when she's in her zone, Splat just wants to play....

I hate second guessing myself.... its possible I could make this work, and not rip my heart out in the process. Though, once the kids find out, they won't be happy. Aimee, 4yoDD already said she'd take her BBGun and shoot whoever killed Snowy earlier today, when we figure that one out....Guess I'll give this a few days, and see how it goes....

 

[X2Farm]

Oh, and I do appreciate yalls kind words. It means SO much to me, and knowing yall understand. All of my non chicken friends just don't get it.