Posted by Krissypink on January 30, 2009 at 5:12pm
Our Labrador Retriever, who is 1 yr old, killed one of our hens and ravaged the other 2 but they are ok. Anyone have any experience with a dog being trained to leave them alone? I can't believe how much damage was done in such a short time, it looked like she went on a rampage, feathers everywhere, things knocked over, and she partially ate the one she killed. My kids and I were very upset. I know I saw the Dog Whisperer train the Marley & Me author's Lab to leave small animals alone. But when I brought home 2 day old chicks today, the dog heard them peeping and barged into the house like a maniac. I had to fight hard to get her to go back outside. Any thoughts?
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You might consider getting some professional dog training help. It is my experience that a well trained dog is much easier to handle in the family, with or without chickens. As a kid, our German Shepherd got loose one night and killed almost 2 dozen young pheasants we were raising -that carnage stuck with me! You will have a better chance of having dogs and chickens living together if you spend a great deal of effort to learn how to train your dog (not just to leave chickens alone), or pay someone to do it for you. They also HAVE to get enough exercise. A tired dog is less likely to mis-behave. ~Liz
We have had this experience also. We have 2 labs that just can't say no to chickens. I have attached a file that I just received in an email the other that addresses this issues. I haven't even read it yet. Maybe it might be of assistance.
Let me now.
Thanks for the article. We've been working with the dog, monitoring her and correcting her when we see her get too interested in the hens. I hope we can all just get along!
We live in Scottsdale (sweetwater ranch area) - have - had 6 hens in a great little hen house in back yard - today - came home at noon - and all are gone!!!! Something broke down part of the chicken wire fencing and took all of them out. Just feathers and tale ends exist. Needless to say - I've got a gamet of emotions. My husband is repairing and "beefing" up the hen yard. We're thinking that perhaps coyotes? We're a few miles from the McDowell Mountains.
Anyone have any ideas? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhh.....so sad. My younger girls JUST started laying this week and these girls were sweet pets. WE'll replace them soon. We'd appreciate your thoughts.
Thank-you everybody for the advice. I am probably keeping the dog, I didn't mention we were out of town for a couple days and I think she got bored.....anyways, she does seem very interested in the coop area now so I think the whole "taste of blood" thing holds true. Hopefully we can keep them seperated. The chickens are our pets, to me it felt the same as if I found my cat torn to shreds by my dog.....very sad. The worst part is that the chicken she killed was my 5 yr old son's personal pet chicken so he was pretty upset. We will see how it goes, thanks again for the advice!
Once a hunting dog has tasted a kill it is VERY difficult to get them to not want to kill again. You will have to keep them separated, that is the only way that I know of, short of getting rid of the dog or the chickens. Sorry to hear that, it is not good. Dan's other suggestion is helpful, tho you may not want to take that route.
My dogs were only allowed out with the chickens under very close supervision. I have a pit bull and a mixed breed, and they were under enough voice control that I could call them away if they got too close or looked like they were going to chase them. Then one day, one of the chickens very suddenly and without any warning went after the pit bull!! I don't know what on earth she was thinking but she flew at him, all fluffed up and squawking, right into his face. I thought it was going to be the end of her!! Luckily I was close enough to jump in and pull the dog away before he had a chance to grab her. Actually, I think my screams made him hesitate or he surely would have gotten her. I took the dogs inside and went out to make sure the hen was okay, and she was, but having a bad attitude. She was all fluffed up and making these awful sounds! I don't know what got into her that day, thinking she could attack a pit bull! yikes! Anyway, I don't let the dogs out with them at all anymore--it's too risky. But I think it really depends on the dogs and the chickens--some get along just fine, and some don't, so be careful.
Good luck!
Judy
You should see my lovebird attack my German Shepherd or cat. Maybe the hen, like my bird, was suicidal? I think my lovebird must have a couple screws loose, and true to her name (Lucky Bird), she has survived her own stupidity! :) Liz
I have had my hens for four months and they are almost full grown I was afraid to let my rhodesian ridgeback near them, but eventually we began to allow it and they are fine now, but I do watch closely. I have been told that it is impossible once they kill one (I don't know personally) I also saw the same episode you are talking about and I think they said the dog had gotten one of their hens, but not sure. I make the cesar milan pstt noise when the dog gets too interested in the hens. I keep her away from the baby chicks though.
it may be hard to do,she is bird hunting dog that has tasted a kill now. you may have to keep the hens penned up away from her, or you may get an electronic shock collar and when she heads towards the hens give her a zap.it may sound a bit cruel but it does work in dog training
Replies
Let me now.
Peggy
A mag Mar-09-Prey vs Play article.doc
Anyone have any ideas? AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHhh.....so sad. My younger girls JUST started laying this week and these girls were sweet pets. WE'll replace them soon. We'd appreciate your thoughts.
Good luck!
Judy
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