Turkeys after my dogs!!

[ozark hen]

Sad to say we had to keep the turkeys in their pen today. Yesterday I heard the turkeys yelping and in between their yelps I heard one of our Shih Tzus yelping!! I ran outside and the toms had one of our dogs (our babies)up against the house and attacking him. I shooed them away and rescued my little dog. Dog was not hurt but when I told dh about it he told me he has had to rescue the dog a few times?? What is going on? We have four Shih-tsu that never bother the poultry or anything else for that matter. They are very loving gentle dogs. He wasn't even trying to defend himself from the toms. Now I am afraid to let the turkeys free range. Anyone else have this problem with the turkeys? I was so excited to have them as they are like puppies and follow me everywhere.

 

[ivan3]

Nothing like that. Our old (14yo), outdoor, cat got digusted with the turk's nosiness early on and would simply retreat under one of the decks when he saw the gawkers leaving their run.

Do you give your dogs a lot of attention/time in the turkey's presence? Ours have exhibited what can only be described as something analogous to low grade jealousy.

The description of this happening more than once makes me wonder (you are the alpha, your dog the beta and one of the toms is looking to move up?).

I'm curious about the dog's not hightailing it on all attacks subsequent to the first???

 

[boxermom]

My boxer has to be tied up when the birds are loose. He runs thru the undergound fence to get them. Last week, he was tied and I heard "turkey noise". I looked out the window and they had my boxer all wound up and he couldn't get away. I ran out to rescue him, and they pecked at him all the way to the house! Poor thing, but it was pretty funny.

Maybe he won't try to get them anymore.

 

[ozark hen]

Quote:
We have four shih-tzu and like I said they are our "kids". They have no fear of danger it seems and do not attack anything. A baby chick is a curiousity, so is a kitten. They have never made an attempt to even chase the poultry. It is the nature of a Shih-Tzu to be extremely gentle and loving. this really puzzles me but it could be a jealousy thing?

 

[ivan3]

Are your jakes sparring with one another? I remember the shots you posted of your flock a while back. I'd think the boys would be feeling pretty full of themselves by now?

Could just be the hormones kicking in. When our's were jakes they would occasionally put their heads down and rush the chooks and they were otherwise VERY intimidated by the chooks (one of our BSL hens still puts them in their place and the roo just has to walk toward them to send them on their way).

Could be that along with pecking order/`jealousy'. I'd keep your little guys separated from the turks - there is a certain unpredictability about what sets-off male poultry. Our roo, for instance, is a pretty easy going fellow. I bought a new pair of mud boots with a yellow stripe around/just above the soles - he flogged them relentlessly - put the old boots on and he didn't even raise the hackles - and I tried this several times with the same result).

Good luck!

 

[ozark hen]

Thanks yes, the toms are very full of themselves! Husband can pick up the females and they fall asleep in his lap but the toms will be struttin and drummin the whole time. Yes, they are sparring with each other. I told him we need to keep just one tom and he has agreed.

 

[ivan3]

One tom is probably best. We went through a half a can of pine tar that first fall slowing down the snood pulling, etc.
Our two remaining 4yo's are now pretty laid back.

Take care,

John