what can I do to keep a 90lb. dog away from my chicks?

[SilverLacedLady]

We have a 90lb. dog who decided today that on his way in for the night he was going to push open the uper vent on my tiny little coop and stick his giant head in to try to eat them

. My chicks are only 6 weeks and luckily he didn't get anyone, they were all safely over by the nesting box. But when I build them a run, what should I do to keep my dog from breaking in and killing them? He is very odd about oter animals and considers the backyard to be his, and apparently doesn't want to share it. any input would be greatly appreciated.

 

[sune42]

electric fence

 

[Kittymomma]

Quote:

 

[4 Love of Baby Chickens]

Yes put an Electric fence up and also tell the owners what their "so called perfect Fluffy" is doing. Tell them to please keep their dog penned or tied up 'cause isn't there a leash law where you live? Or if he does it again just to do the triple S.

The triple S means

S = Shoot

S = Shovel

S = Shut up

Get my drift?

 

[ranchhand]

Quote:
Did you read the first post at all????? It's THEIR dog!

 

[4 Love of Baby Chickens]

Oh I'm SO sorry Silverlaced Lady!!!! I didn't know it was your dog!!!!!!!

Again I'm really sorry!!!

-goes to hide in the corner for an hour-

 

[Tecalli]

Another option to consider is a chain link fence around the chicken coop/run area. That's what we did to keep my german shepherds from having a chicken dinner. The chain link fence with concrete in the posts is very secure. In case of power loss, it still works at keeping dogs out. Depending on how strong the prey drive is in your dog, an electric fence may not deter him/her. My shepherd went right through the electric fence at a friend's farm. Luckily he was after ducks who took to the air. He is now on leash always when we visit.

When the dogs are inside, we open the gate to the chain link fence and let the hens out to free range in the yard. I should note their run is covered with galvenized wire to keep unwanted intruders out. The chain link fence was specifically to keep the dogs away. Please keep in mind that prey drive is a natural instinct, and extremely strong in some dogs.

 

[Marie1234]

I've learned that it's the sound the chicks make when they are small that attracts the dog. (Sounds like a squeaky toy...must play with it.) With training your dog could be perfectly trustworthy by the time they are hens. I have a choc lab mix that is a perfect example. If it goes peep or squeak he'll jump on it, but he has never messed with a full grown bird even when they are drinking out of his water dish when he is three feet away. Just a firm toned "leave it" or whatever you normally use should get the dog on the right track.

 

[bobbi-j]

Good, strong run, electric fence, and most importantly - training.

 

[fancbrd4me02]

Electric fence, supervision and obedience training for the dog and the household.