Testing My Dogs with the Flock

[uniqueblacksheep]

So...after 2 years of only letting my chickens free range when the dogs are inside, yesterday we forgot the chickens were out, after the dogs were out with them for about 20 minutes we found our poodle hanging out within 10 feet of them. So we were in shock and confused. I would think she would have hurt them if she was going to immediately wouldn't she? My husband found them and said the chickens weren't even afraid of her. She hangs out by their run all the time so after 2 years they know each other, but for you people that have dogs that are out with your hens, how did you safely know it was ok. This opens up a new level of safety against hawk attacks if I can let them out together, so I'd love to if we can.

 

[aart]

She hangs out by their run all the time so after 2 years they know each other,

That's the key! They are acclimated to one another. I'd keep a close eye. Hopefully the dog has good recall and voice command response.

This opens up a new level of safety against hawk attacks if I can let them out together

But will the dog actually know to 'guard' against a hawk? Hard to know what would happen if a hawk strike occurred. Std poodle?

 

[aart]

Thank you for your response! I'm not sure if she will guard against a hawk, I'm just thinking if the dogs are out in the yard, maybe it will be less likely to swoop in with them out. She is a standard poodle and I have a golden doodle . My doodle was out with them for an hour one time and I didn't know it. So this is the second time she's been out with them. They are good about coming to me.

Dogs might deter hawks....but maybe not, have read numerous stories of hawks attacking birds not 10' from humans.
I'd test your dogs maybe on leash at first, get the birds riled up and see how dogs react.
Work with them all and see how it goes.
I have a standard poodle. I don't free range, but he's been know to play 'tag' thru the run walls with a few certain birds.

 

[Gail Laubenthal]

Our livestock guardian dog, now 2 years old, has grown up with the chickens on the other side of her fence. However, this spring, I began letting the chickens free range in her and the sheep area. I watched her carefully and she seemed to not care that they were there. The other day, I came out and saw her coming around the corner of the field and she had our buff orpington in her mouth. I yelled the command, "Mine!" and she dropped her. (when I was using a training/shock collar with her, if she began chasing the sheep, I would give her a vibration and say, "Mine!" and she still remembers that vibration and stops the behavior) When I checked the hen out, there was not any damage or puncture holes, not even a feather out of place. She was using a soft mouth, but it was still not acceptable behavior. Since I was not there to see what caused this behavior, I can only guess that the chicken was running and she was chasing, caught her, and was bringing her back where the others were. No

matter what the cause, she was strongly reprimanded and was put in a kennel for the next hour. She is just now coming into adulthood, and with LGDs, they say that they should not be left alone with livestock until they are at least 18 months or truly ready. Every situation is different, so I would say be cautious and watchful.

 

[uniqueblacksheep]

That's the key! They are acclimated to one another. I'd keep a close eye. Hopefully the dog has good recall and voice command response.

But will the dog actually know to 'guard' against a hawk? Hard to know what would happen if a hawk strike occurred. Std poodle?

Thank you for your response! I'm not sure if she will guard against a hawk, I'm just thinking if the dogs are out in the yard, maybe it will be less likely to swoop in with them out. She is a standard poodle and I have a golden doodle . My doodle was out with them for an hour one time and I didn't know it. So this is the second time she's been out with them. They are good about coming to me.

 

[NorthernChick1]

my dogs always been gentle and soft with everything. I tested him when we first got the chicks in the house in a brooder and paid no interest in them. From then on i have not one concern and he spends the whole day out with them.

 

[wamtazlady]

Have a friend with an English Shepherd. It thinks its job is to keep the chickens in the coop. So it picks up a chicken and puts it in the coop. When he goes to get another one the first chicken comes out again. The dog is happy with the job of herding chickens all day and the chickens don't seem to mind.

 

[Chelsa'sChicks]

My dogs run free off leash, my horses are fenced, and my chickens free range. They all can reach each other. My dogs have been taught (firmly) that they are not allowed to chase the horses or chickens, even if the horses or chickens are running. All of my dogs until recent were hunting/hound dogs so it can be done. I had a weimaraner who actually would burst through the middle of peacefully gathered hens pecking. The rooster attacked him once (which in my opinion the dog deserved) then I firmly let him be aware that was not acceptable. I said his name and walked side by side with him when we were walking together by the chickens. After that it was just by me saying his name as he approached the chickens, then he would see them and walk calmly by them - to go running immediately after passing them again. It took 4 total times until Zeus knew on his own to not run by them. Keep in mind Zeus was also 14 years old.

I think too, that keeping dogs with chickens keeps other predators away. My dogs have chased fox away and when they go potty around the barn/coop I believe it deters them as well. As of current I have a Dachshund and a Pitbull.

 

[ChickenRelatedUserName]

From a year ago. The chickens bother the dog, not the other way around.

 

[Stiletto]

Please keep us updated! @uniqueblacksheep

We have dogs and I harbour fantasies of free-ranging my little flock some day, so I'm curious to follow your progress.

Good luck!