Single hen

[speckled hen]

I had a very bad start to the day today, I went out to top up the water (dog was with me) I took the water container out and fastened the door, to cut a long story short the dog managed to rattle the bolt open (Ihadnt pushed it right in) next thing the dog has one of my girls in her mouth and runs off with her, I was hysterical! The dog has gone nuts since we got the girls and has been waiting for her moment, my hubby heard my screams and manged to get the dog to drop her, she seems to be very traumatised but not physically harmed (the chook not dog). Has anyone else had problems with dogs? I would appreciate some help as I just don't know what to do with her. I am at work now so just hope that Daisy (the chook) is ok when I get home.

 

Sorry for the waffle! Any help much appreciated

 

Thanks

Speckled Hen

[Scottie]

We kept our dog (springer spaniel) on a lead for ages to begin with when the chickens were allowed out and then very carefully let them run about together. One of the first things that happened was that one of the girls pecked the dog on the nose, and since then he has kept a healthy distance from them. Even although I adore our dog, I would never let him in the garden with the chickens unsupervised.

 

Hope your girl has got over her shock.

 

Sheila

[speckled hen]

Thanks Sheila, it is like Molly (the dog) is possessed! She has always liked to chase rabbits in the field, I hope she calms down a bit. Hope Daisy is ok

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

Woah. I bet the adrenaline was really flowing!

 

Is your dog like this with other things? I was terrified my collie/lab cross would have its inner collie come out and that he would go for the chooks. While showing much intrigue and interest in them, he has been ok. We have a gate and fence between the patio and the grass, and he knows he must stay on the patio as the chickens are on the grass. He is very protective of them and barks when he sees a fox.

 

I put this down to us having a strong discipline training with him. We are very firm when we tell him no, and if he doesn't do as he is told, he gets a smack on the head. It doesn't take many of those to get him to do as he is told, and when he does he gets lots of praise ' good boys' and stroking.

 

I think training can really help with bad dog behaviour. Dog Borstal was a revelation (it's on BBC3) but they do have their instincts. Maybe a muzzle would help if you want them to be able to hang out close to each other, even in separate areas. Our dog has a muzzle which is fabric so it's comfortable. That way we know 'play' will never get out of hand when he's being walked. I suspect some posters will think I'm a terribly cruel dog mother, but he needs to know where he comes in the pecking order, and that is under human command if the chooks are to be safe.

 

Let us know how you get on.

 

Anna x

[mostin]

Have you ever watched the "Dog Whisperer" program on TV? The guy on there is amazing with dogs and he managed to sort out someones dog that had eaten a couple of their pet chickens.

 

They had to sit them next to each other (dog and chicken) and the dog wasn't allowed to look or fixate on the chicken. They even sat the chicken on the dogs back and stroked the dog with the chicken The dog had to remain calm and not react at all.

 

Eventually his mind linked chickens with relaxation instead of "the chase". It was very clever.

[A chickychickychick-ENN!!]

Ooh that sounded so amazing Mostin that I had a google.

 

Was it this?

 

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ps8g86khGFE

 

Thought it might be useful.

 

Anna x

[mostin]

Ooh that sounded so amazing Mostin that I had a google.

 

Was it this?

 

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=ps8g86khGFE

 

Thought it might be useful.

 

Anna x

 

YES!!!! That was part of the episode, he is a genius that guy. And the fact that he takes his dogs swimming in a very tight wet suit does not bias me at all

[Helen&Lee]

I had great success with my two very excited Springers by using a Supersoaker water pistol every time they raced over to the run.

 

The shock of the water hitting them and me shouting 'Water' had great results within days.

 

Once the chickens started laying they seemed a bit bolder around the dogs - Attilla has been known to chase them and the dogs are terrified!

[speckled hen]

Thank you all so much for your replies, I agree that strict discipline is the way to go, I have only just heard of the dog whisperer think he seems to be very good. My hubby has actually bought a training collar now that works with sounds and vibration, and as a last resort a shock (that isnt nice but doesnt harm) can be delivered. I hope it works, she has been good this morning, well apart from running down the road to my neighbours house to get daddy's nasty collar removed (she baby sat for us last night and took the collar off molly, how quick they learn!). I will try anything to regain harmony in the house, silly me imagined cats, dog and chickens would be happy all together, so I hope that it becomes a reality.

 

As for my lovely Daisy, she is none the worse for her ride in dogs mouth, they are all out playing in the garden looking for tasty treats.

 

Thanks again

 

Speckled Hen

[mostin]

Hope the training all goes smoothly, keep us updated.

[sparkysmum]

Well I don't want to be a party pooper but following my dog/hen incident I simply wouldn't take a chance. Sparky is my kind, loving gentle dog, who at 11yrs young has never harmed anything - except my hens As I've reported on this forum before, he caught Penny and accidently broke her foot some weeks ago. Although she is fully recovered, it is unlikely that she will lay again, and the vet bills were horrendous. Don't take the chance - it's simply not worth it Allisonx

[alih]

my terrier was very interested when we first got the girls but I let him wander about when they were in the run and he very gradually got used to them. He did get too close once when they were ranging but once they start laying theya re much fiercer and my lot terrified the dog so much he then spent mmonths slinking past them. Now they ignore each other but he still gets quivery when I pick one of the chickens up or they flap. It will take time but I'm sure you will get there.

[speckled hen]

Molly has been a good girl today, when the chooks where in the hen house she just sat and watched them. She then went to her house and watched the girls free range, we have continued to use the training collar and that has stopped her from charging up to the house and frightening them! I don't expect to let them play together any time soon !!!!!

 

Speckled Hen xx

[mostin]

Fantastic news, I have heard those training collars can have very quick results. Hope it all carries on well.