Single hen

[Busybird]

A neighbour has just called round to tell me that their dog got into my garden. It is a farm dog, staying with them for a few days. They let it loose because a rat was seen in the road and apparently it is a good ratter. Unfortunately it ignored the rat and ended up in my garden - where my chickens were free ranging

 

I keep the side gates locked so had to go round to unbolt one. Of course, the girls thought that I was out to give them food so followed me. They sqawked very loudly when they saw the dog but thankfully it didn't go for them and was quickly removed by my neighbours

 

I know very little about dogs. Would such a creature be a danger to my chickens? It was a smallish black / brown solid and lively little thing (no idea about breeds ).

 

I have put the chickens in their run for now

[chelsea]

phew, lucky escape there!

 

Probably some kind of terrier - they are good ratters. I would definitely err on the side of caution - if you could see what a ratter does to a rat then a chicken wouldnt stand a chance. I would suggest keeping them in the run until the "guest" has departed.

[abwsco]

If it's a ratter there's no way I would risk it getting near my chickens. My boss has a terrier and I've seen her "skin" cuddly toys in seconds. I think you'll have to keep your chickens locked up to be on the safe side.

[westleigh]

yes you have had a lucky escape,some dogs would have just taken a chunk in a second,

[Guest]

Ok hope its a one off but even in the countryside the owner has a responsibility to keep their dog under control.........the dog will remember its visit if its interested.

If it keeps doing it they should lead it untill well away from your chickens def keep them in til u can be sure.

 

May need to put some Rat poison in a proper safe bait box

 

indie 999

[mags]

my dog is a lakeland Terrier (working stock ) she was runt of litter and after 10 years of living with cats I reckon she thinks she is one !

 

 

I would not trust her with my chickens alone but she was not happy that Babs tried peck her

My cats just look scared at moment

 

Mags

[tania]

we have 2 country dogs, sight hounds, and I would absolutly NOT trust them with chickens. Dogs are dogs and you just never know when their instincts will kick in, even if you think your dog is the soppiest animal. Best keep them safe and sound rather than regret it.

[mags]

I trust her with my cats - she nursed a kitten for 9 months and is very proctective of them

 

her breed are used as ratters but i am not sure she has seen one ,, I have pulled her out of a rabbit whole by back legs a few times.

these are her latest babies

 

No way would I trust her with the chickens

 

mags

[Groovychook]

Ahh! That's a lovely photo!

[mostin]

Lovely photo Mags. I met ANH last Sat and she said she met you when she past her converter on to you. Hope it's all still going really well.

[mags]

I love my chickens

 

getting eggs almost on a daily basis from Cassie so far other 3 yet to lay

I really look forward to coming home to sort them out for night.

 

mags