They don't fear the dogs

[Steven Bussell]

I'm glad my flock feel safe around my 2 big dogs.
I got my brids through the mail. The very first thing I did was set them while still in the box on the floor at my feet. I worked with the dog's for 10 minutes and put them in their coop/ border. I would leave the run door open everytime I when to care for the birds. By doing so I taught the dog's to stay out unless they where called. I would let the dogs in so they could see and smell them.
Now the flock is outside during the day and both dog's and birds coexist really well . I have seen my dogs laid against the run fencing and the birds pick at the dog .
My dog's are a part of my security system. That means protecting everything on our property .
My job is to make sure everything is safe and protected.

 

[Chef JimmyJ]

As I type, I have 2 brother Beagles and 7 month old Pit/Boxer mix, laying down on my bed with 2 of my recuperating Jersey Giant Pullets! We too put the new Chicks on the floor with the dogs, day one. There was a lot of sniffing and wet noses pushing the chicks around and with in minutes all settled in for a Nap. 4+ months later the dogs patrol the yard around the coop and run anything that dont belong away. Indoors, the JG Pullets will drink from the same water dispenser and will gather around, side by side with the 3 dogs to share treats. Like half the Ham Sandwich I had for lunch! The Dogs are more polite, sitting and quietly waiting for a hand out. The 2 Pullets, Squawk loudly and will steal a bite if I am not paying attention. Pretty funny watching the Pullets chasing each other for some of a slice of Stolen Ham, one girl grabbed. The Pullets don't understand , " Let Sleeping Dogs Lie, " as they seem to take great pleasure in sneaking up on the dogs and Pecking the boys Tail or Rump! The boys just shoot them dirty looks or move away from the Pullets.

Same goes for our Cats. The introductions happened early. Now the adult Cats don't even pay attention to the Chickens and the 12 week old Kittens will gently paw at the birds and rub their faces on them, purring. A sign of affection. Frequent supervised visits, from young, go a long way toward harmony...JJ