What are next steps w/9wo Great Pyrenees to protect poultry

[brainfog]

Then so will the GP, they can scale a 5' fence no problem. You need hot wire running over the top of the fence. That will keep foxes from climbing in and the LGD from climbing out. I reiterate, the FIRST thing you need is a good perimeter fence that will keep the dog IN and the predators OUT. You should also have a low wire to discourage digging under the fence, inside and out.

These are good things to re-consider, but certainly not what I need.

As I understand it, throughout most of history, poultry were successfully raised without fences and if I had one that kept out predators, then by assumption I would not need a LGD.

Much in the world is far from ideal, and a lifestyle farm like mine is a balancing act.

What I need is to learn how to balance the ideal environment for the Great Pyrenese with the environment I possess, and next steps for training.

 

[bruceha2000]

As I understand it, throughout most of history, poultry were successfully raised without fences and if I had one that kept out predators, then by assumption I would not need a LGD.

Probably true and the situation I am in. I built the fence to keep a 15 month old sheep trained GP in. Had to return the dog after 3 weeks because my wife couldn't ignore his night time work. So now I have a field fence with holes big enough for raccoons to get in, I think a fox would have to dig under or scale it. I do have hot wire on the top to keep the latter from happening. Had I known I would need a fence that would keep the varmints out I would have used 2x4 wire even though it is more expensive.

HOWEVER, you DO understand that a GP will not respect non physical boundaries just because you think it should, right?

 

[brainfog]

Kira's been fun! She's grown alot and confidence is up. Yesterday, during food scraps time, she was darting in under the beaks of the geese (reaching through fence) 'nibbling her back' without fear.

Now Kira's kept in the rather small backyard - which is rather unlikely to have predators. Around what age should I allow access to the ~2 acre 'garden' area? This area does come into contact with predators as it borders the forest and wetlands, but would be lots of fun for her. It would also help keep poultry out of the garden! It also has a pond with slippery rubber liner that is deep enough to be a problem - but I could fence that.

My instinct is to wait - but until when...

 

[brainfog]

.
HOWEVER, you DO understand that a GP will not respect non physical boundaries just because you think it should, right?

Its good to be aware of this. I had an idea of this, but noticed that her parents were kept with an even shorter fence for sheep.

Of course we don't want to get rid of her, but clearly now is better than later for both her and my children.

If the fence doesn't keep her then put up the electric wire - and if that doesn't work then maybe geofencing will, and if that doesn't a collar w/GPS so I can find her.

 

[Dr.Dale]

We have invisible fence for ours. We started training them to it at like 12 weeks old or so. Very gently at first.

They are so pain tolerant that I don’t think that is what actually does it, but it helped them learn where the borders of their land that they need to protect are.

 

[Dr.Dale]

Around what age should I allow access to the ~2 acre 'garden' area? This area does come into contact with predators as it borders the forest and wetlands,

I don’t know about an age that it “should” be done, but I did it at about 4 months old. At that point our girls seemed more coordinated and at least they were the size of the fox that roams the neighborhood.

 

[brainfog]

Scrap feeding time is a lot of fun and great training opportunity. Chickens and rooster are seemingly acclimated to Kira now and they're eating from the same scrap pile inches away from Kira's mouth - while Kira is free to roam. These birds remind me of the Egyptian plover!

But after Kira looses interest in the food, she starts play bow followed by jump and chase - so I call her back and we sit next to the scraps and watch chickens eat for a few mins.

Got to say our rooster is also doing well. Rooster doesn't run from play bow - and he's also not moving in - its a bit of a dance before Kira looses interest.

Also have some turkey poults that 'like' to cuddle w/Kira (while protected in my hand from sniffing) - but only because its cold today.

 

[bruceha2000]

You are doing the right thing stopping the pup trying to play with the chickens. She shouldn't be allowed to do the "dance" with the rooster, she needs to be pulled away immediately when she starts the bow. She has to learn to ignore the chickens.

 

[Dr.Dale]

She has to learn to ignore the chickens.

I second that.

@brainfog, any interest in the chickens should be met with “leave it” or “off” and a reward from you when she does, or a physical correction if she escalates.

 

[LynnPG]

your pup is to young to be with your livestock..... I have 16 months old and they are in the teenager stage, and can't be fully trusted with chickens. Chickens are to flighty and that causes the chase instinct in the puppy. You have a long way to go with your puppy. Good luck