Trixabell Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 I would like to free range my ex batts but am worried about doing so with my terrier bob....he is a timid little terrier nd very submissiveand will soon back off when Gwyn pecks at him thru the run, but i envision him turning into a chicken killer if they were all out in the garden together!!!! Does anyone else let their chickens free range with a dog about??? I feel a bit evil locking him in after all he was here first and they have taken over a large part of his graden as it is!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Blackrocksrock Posted April 2, 2008 Share Posted April 2, 2008 Why not try letting them out nearer bed time and take him out on the lead to start with and see how it goes - my labrador loves the chooks especially their sweetcorn - well she is a labrador after all. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 I would shut him in the first time you let them free-range, so that they can explore the garden without the stress of a dog staring and yapping at them - maybe someone else could take him out for a walk or otherwise distract him? Once they've had a chance to get their bearings in the garden, which may take a few free-ranging sessions, take your terrier out into the garden on a lead, as Trixabell says, and see how it goes. Warning - dogs will instinctively chase anything that runs away, and some people here have lost chickens to their own dogs because that instinct took over. So do take it very very slowly, and even if he gets used to them, don't leave them alone together for even a minute. Hope it works out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 I agree with Eyren. Their first few free ranging sessions are a learning experience for the hens and would be better without the distraction of the dog. Let the dog be present only on the lead at first as suggested. It is true that their chasing instincts take over. A fellow Omleteer sadly lost a chicken only last week when her normally gentle dog couldn't resist the urge to chase. Chickens can die of the shock of being chased......they don't have to be caught and injured......just a point to bear in mind. I hope it goes well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trixabell Posted April 3, 2008 Author Share Posted April 3, 2008 Thanks guys, might leave it a while before i try this after all i've only just got them all getting on with each other and their run is still a lot bigger then what they are used to but eventually i may give it a go and i'll take all your words of advice on board xxx Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
superjules Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 I'd agree with what everyone else has said - your chooks may be very nervous at leaving the run and having the dog around won't help. After the chooks have been out a few times, have him on a lead and give him lots of treats and praise for ignoring them. With a terrier or a hound, I think it may be harder than some other breeds to get them used to the chickens, as it's in their nature to have a very strong chase instinct, but all dogs are individuals. Our Springer hasn't been too bad, but being bred as a gun dog and being very food motivated, he's quite easy to train! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted April 3, 2008 Share Posted April 3, 2008 our border terrier, Dennis, was intrigued by our 2 chickens at first adn tried to grab them if ever they were near, even with me holding his collar. I basically let him pootle about the garden whilst they were in their run and kept him in while they free ranged until they all got used to each other, and now I let him out when they are ranging. But he is terrified of them now since a couple of times he has got too close and been flown at! I think if you only let bob out when they are in their run until he pretty much ignores them you can try him with them out but ONLY while you are with them. I never let dennis and the chicks out together if I am not about to keeo an eye.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trixabell Posted April 4, 2008 Author Share Posted April 4, 2008 Cheers everyone for the advice x Much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trixabell Posted April 4, 2008 Author Share Posted April 4, 2008 Cheers everyone for the advice x Much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trixabell Posted April 4, 2008 Author Share Posted April 4, 2008 Cheers everyone for the advice x Much appreciated Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Trixabell Posted April 4, 2008 Author Share Posted April 4, 2008 oops my computer is spazzing sorree Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scotty Posted April 4, 2008 Share Posted April 4, 2008 You've probably come to your own conclusion, My ex-bats went free ranging after a week in the cube, now if I don't let them out - they shout at me... and are totally peeved if I put them in their run early. My 2 cats at first found them totally facsinating but now they all ignore one another its rather nice to know that they react like the rest of the family!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
