Guest Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Hi Andy/Damien - welcome! I have 2 retired greyhounds and 3 chickens and they use the garden on a rota system - never the twain shall meet! I've tried introducing the dogs to the chickens - muzzled, leashed and very closely supervised, and have had no success . When the dogs walk past the run, they pay the chickens no attention, but when they're out, it's open season! I'll give your water pistol idea a go (it's always loaded and by the back door for those impromptu water fights ) - thanks for the tip! Hi McChook, really good to hear from you. Two retired greyhounds! Good for you. What excellent pets, but i don't need to tell you that. Listen here, and take heart. All four of the greyhounds i've owned have initially been keen. Jet, Ruthie and Kristin were absolute killers! Nothing was safe. However, they're fresh from the track, but with socialisation, they soon can lose the keeness. Trust me. It has taken us two years to get Kristin where she is now, (however the others took much less time- literally weeks), but it is a pleaure to see her off her lead, running and playing with the other two with no interest in attacking another creature. To be quite honest, we thought she was psychotic! The girl seemed absolutely crazy, but it was not so, just her previous and unfortunate past, but she seems to have got over this, and is now a very calm and loving dog. I would most certainly keep a water gun by the back door. Also, handle your hens and bring them into the presence of your dogs (with muzzles), and use your voice to let them know the hens are to be accepted. Let me know how you get on. Once again, thanks for your post.Always good to hear from a fellow greyhound/hen owner. Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 I use flubenvet every 3-4 months I think verm-x is more natural but I don't use that and other people don't rate it well either. I worm them (even though I have never seen any worms in their poo) because my garden is not large and they can pick worms up from the ground or the wild birds. I put a tonic in their water as well - just for a boost but I can't remember the name right now What does Flubenvet contain, ChickVic? I was interested to read the contents of 'Four seasons' - Hibiscus, Thyme, ginger root, Clove, natural salts, organic bitter apple. All have great health benefits, but couldn't find one mention of any of the above as being anti-worm? However, that is not to say any of the above are not. I'm just relying on my aromatherapy training. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
beverley Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 hi, just to say we had 2 rescue ex racer greyhounds, and yes they were absolutely great dogs, but they did kill a cat and a squirrel when they were younger, so please don't underestimate them, around chickens. if they are ex racers its what they do, they are quite lazy dogs when they get older, so you would probably have less problems then. beverley olive ruby Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
tania Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Was interested in your post. We have 2 whippets, a 5 year old and 18 month old. The older one is fairly chilled about the chickens and is not interested in them particularly but the younger is a pure hunter. We live in the country so are surrounded by all sorts of fast furry things to chase. Both our dogs are well trained and are as gentle as could possibly be in the house but once out the younger one is always ready to chase. I don't think I will ever trust her 100% (wouldn't trust her 1% at the mo!) It wouldn't be fair on her (it's in built) or the chooks if something happened. I adore these type of dogs, they do make the perfect pet and would rather be under the duvet than out for a walk. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Hi Beverley, and thanks for your post. You are quite right. Never be complacent. They are hunting hounds at the end of the day. However, we often read of various breeds attacking children etc, and getting bad press. However, having previously owned Dobermans, and have various friends who own or have owned Rottweillers, Staffies, Akitas etc, i always say it is the owner who is at fault not the dog. Some people just shouldn't own a dog, whatever the breed. I have numerous greyhound owning friends/acquintances. Many of them have cats which get on well with the dogs, and one or two also have lopped eared rabbits as house pets. Again the dogs are not interested. Some get them to keep rabbits, squirrels, foxes etc out of the garden. However, as shown, they can be easily trained to not attack another creature. As said, it's down to the owner...... not the dog. Out of the four greyhounds i've owned, i would say Kristin is living proof. I never thought i would get that girl to a level where i could allow her off lead and without a muzzle, and not have the urge to attack any other creature that came in sight? However..... she proved me wrong. I wish i could find the lead to the digi-cam so that i could post pictures. Seeing is believing. As said, don't blame the dog.... blame the owner. Dogs are more intelligent than some humans. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 19, 2009 Share Posted March 19, 2009 Was interested in your post. We have 2 whippets, a 5 year old and 18 month old. The older one is fairly chilled about the chickens and is not interested in them particularly but the younger is a pure hunter.We live in the country so are surrounded by all sorts of fast furry things to chase. Both our dogs are well trained and are as gentle as could possibly be in the house but once out the younger one is always ready to chase. I don't think I will ever trust her 100% (wouldn't trust her 1% at the mo!) It wouldn't be fair on her (it's in built) or the chooks if something happened. I adore these type of dogs, they do make the perfect pet and would rather be under the duvet than out for a walk. I never thought i would trust Kristin 100%.... however? The girl has just amazed us. As said, we thought she was psychotic. However, she had a dreadful life previous to being rehomed with us. Lots of love, cuddles, and two years on, the girl is a totally different dog. She was a natural born killer, but as with any dog, a good owner and proper socialisation, no problems. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 hi,just to say we had 2 rescue ex racer greyhounds, and yes they were absolutely great dogs, but they did kill a cat and a squirrel when they were younger, so please don't underestimate them, around chickens. if they are ex racers its what they do, they are quite lazy dogs when they get older, so you would probably have less problems then. beverley olive ruby This does remind me of a fellow greyhound owner though, and someone who in my opinion shouldn't own a dog; and a very ignorant, selfish individual. Jetted off to Australia for a month, adult son at home, but had the cheek to ask other greyhound owners to look after her two dogs for a month, on the cheap. Like a fool i offered, but we learn from experience. Her two dogs never raced (they were non racers on the track ie not interested), and therefore never socialised with other dogs. My dogs never pee in the house but one of the other two consistently pee'd in the hallway. However, i could never catch them in the act, and as it turned out, it was the male dog, having thought he'd got his feet under the table. He eventually got confident enough to attack Sonny (who is a gentle soul) and ripped his shoulder out, leaving a six inch scar after veterinary treatment. As said, some people shouldn't be allowed to own dogs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bokbokbokbok Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 (edited) How marvelous it is for me to check the forum today to find this post! We have a Deerhound, a Borzoi, a lurcher (staghound), and an occasional foster greyhound. I've been wondering how other people's experiences with sighthounds and hens have been. I doubt that we will ever let loose all the hounds and the chickens at once. A pack can do things that a single dog would never think to do. Edited for poor grammar. Edited March 21, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 A Deerhound AND a Borzoi!! I am truly envious ! Any pics? Beautiful looking doigs. However, take heart, re the hens and dogs. It obviously can be done. The Alpha male/female is in total control of the pack, and that is YOU and any other responsible dog owner, as i've no doubt you realise. That is where a lot of dog owners go wrong. Dogs are obviously wolf decendants, whatever the breed and therefore think like a wolf. It's when their human owners forget to think like a wolf and think of them as humans is when problems start. I would never dream of mistreating a dog, and i love my three, and vice versa. However, just a disapproving glare and the voice is enough to let any of my three know they are over-stepping the mark. Dogs are most happiest when they know their place in the pack ie Beta males/females. To allow a dog Alpha status (and often out of ignorance) just gives them stress, and it confuses them, and as said cause problems for the owner. Thanks for your post and as said, get those pics posted Andy x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 How marvelous it was for me to check to forum today to find this post! We have a Deerhound, a Borzoi, a lurcher, and an occasional foster greyhound. I've been wondering people's experiences with sighthounds and hens have been. I doubt that we will ever let loose all the hounds and the chickens at once. A pack can do things that a single dog would never think to do. I've no doubt your sight-hounds are like all the others and love sun-bathing? We've had glorious weather recently, and my three are out there..... sprawled out, soaking up the sun (However, have to keep an eye on the black dogs because black retains the heat, so have to have towels soaked in cold water to place over them, at the ready, and keep a close eye on them). However, as said, there they were sun-bathing and the hens also sun-bathing alongside them I must get a new digi-cam to capture such comical sights Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
McChook Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 have to keep an eye on the black dogs because black retains the heat, so have to have towels soaked in cold water to place over them, at the ready My goodness, I don't have anything as responsible as wet towels to place over my sunbathing hounds - however. I do keep a piece of chalk handy to draw around them when they are sleeping on the patio! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 hi,just to say we had 2 rescue ex racer greyhounds, and yes they were absolutely great dogs, but they did kill a cat and a squirrel when they were younger, so please don't underestimate them, around chickens. if they are ex racers its what they do, they are quite lazy dogs when they get older, so you would probably have less problems then. beverley olive ruby I personally don't think age has anything to do with it. Most greyhounds when they retire are around five years old. However, as mentioned in other posts, some are non-runners, ie not keen and won't chase the mechanical rabbit , and therefore retired off much earlier. Our Jet apparently had the makings of a good racing dog, and ran about sixteen races in total. However, her previous breeder/trainer/owner - Dave Brown of the 'Quest-House' kennels told me she was attacked on the track in her first three races and it put her off. He therefore retired her early and she was only a young girl when we first owned her. However, she was literally wild! Like a wolf! She would attack anything and everything and even the Devil himself had she came upon him. However, within literally weeks, we calmed her. No problems ever since, and one of the best dogs i've ever owned. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 20, 2009 Share Posted March 20, 2009 have to keep an eye on the black dogs because black retains the heat, so have to have towels soaked in cold water to place over them, at the ready My goodness, I don't have anything as responsible as wet towels to place over my sunbathing hounds - however. I do keep a piece of chalk handy to draw around them when they are sleeping on the patio! LOL Yes, my garden often resembles a crime scene too Anyone would think a serial killer was on th loose. Greyhounds and hens sprawled all over each other feigning post-mortem Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bokbokbokbok Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Our Deerhound is the only one who really sunbathes. Here she is in action: And the rest of the pack: We just built our Eglu this afternoon. Chickens are due April 1! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wassy Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Great to hear from other pointy dog owners! i have a whippet and a lurcher who is whippetxbedlington the lurcher is a rescue and a previous working dog but with a bit of training doesnt touch anything now. Im lucky to have 'spare cat' my black cat who is the ultimate stooge cat and terrifies most dogs by walking up to them and rubbing his head on them ! he is used by my friends for cat training their dogs including ex-racers (but care taken-muzzled at first etc). The whippet i have had from a pup and she has taken wild rabbits yet lives with a house rabbit and doesnt even look at him(but i dont let them stay together unattended). I think the instinct is always there but its amazing how you teach the dogs what is fair game and what isnt. None of my hounds or cats touch the chooks but they again dont have access unattended.Brill to hear of chook friendly dogs Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 What fabulous looking dogs! I am so envious. Absolutely gorgeous. There is the Harlow show in May for greyhounds and Lurchers. It's a good day out, and helps to raise much needed money for greyhound rescue. My partner and i sponser a trophy for the best re-homed in memory of our girl Ruthie. Glad to hear you will be getting some hens soon. Look forward to reading about them and your experiences. Have fun. Great to hear from you too Wassy, and your experiences. You are quite right, the instinct will always be there, but you hit the nail on the head, and similar mistakes when people leave children un-attended with dogs. You are obviously a responsible and experienced owner. Would love to see some pics if you have some? Andy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 (edited) Those Bedlingtons are lovely looking dogs, Wassy. I wouldn't mind the pleasure of owning one of them. I'm thinking about getting a whppet when i get another dog. My colleague, Sara has a beautiful blue one, and he is quite large for a male whippet. I have to be honest, the only reason i got a greyhound in the first place was merely for vermin control, and then soon discovered what excellent pets they are and addictive Where we live is quite rural and has a 3/4 acre garden. Aside from hens and dogs, my other passion is gardening and over the years i have planted various trees and shrubs that colour up in the Autumn, my favourite season. From late September to November the garden is a blaze of every shade of reds, oranges, golds etc. However, being rural we have, or now had, rather a severe rabbit infestation. I love domesticated rabbits, but not too keen on their wild cousins. They would chew and destroy the trees and shrubs, and a lot of them were often rare in this country (coming from Eastern USA) and proven to be expensive to keep replacing them. I tried all manner of devices ranging from sonic deterrents etc, but proved to be useless. That's when i got a greyhound, and six weeks later, another (Ruthie and Jet). That did the trick. The garden was carnage for a short time as they efficiently rid the garden, but now i rarely see a rabbit in the garden, unless it's feeling a tad suicidal. Grey squirrels are another pest. All my hounds know they can kill rabbits, rats and squirrels. However Jetty, i'm sure she thinks she is a retriever? The amount of birds she's caught ie magpies, partridge, and a crow which resulted in what was like a scene out of the Hitchcock movie and we were mobbed by an angry pack of crows!! If i wasn't a fella, i would have felt like Tipi Hedren! It was like this, i kid you not, those crows were livid However, she never kills them though, just soft mouth them. Made me smile about your cat testing cat Bless it's heart. At the kennels where we got three of ours from (Clarks Farm - Maldon, Essex), they have a cat that they use for cat-testing. It just sits there, quite un-perturbed Not bothered in the least I too find it amazing how you can teach them what is acceptable prey and what is not. Just shows what intelligent dogs sight-hounds are though. Edited March 21, 2009 by Guest Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
yvonne Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Just wanted to add my encouragement for anyone looking to get a dog to consider lurchers or greyhounds. I have a rescued lurcher and she is wonderful; never the best of friends with my cat (OK until the cat runs, then she can't resist a chase, but nothing more). She is mildly curious about the chickens, but has never tried to attack them - I think each dog of whatever breed needs to be watched closely before being left alone with other animals. Like others have said, ours loves to sunbathe, hates kennels and once she's had a good long run or walk is happy to chill out for most of the day. If in doubt, do have a good talk to the staff at a rescue centre as they generally give good advise about the best dog for your circumstances and PLEASE adopt one that needs a home rather then buying from a breeder. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Just wanted to add my encouragement for anyone looking to get a dog to consider lurchers or greyhounds. I have a rescued lurcher and she is wonderful; never the best of friends with my cat (OK until the cat runs, then she can't resist a chase, but nothing more). She is mildly curious about the chickens, but has never tried to attack them - I think each dog of whatever breed needs to be watched closely before being left alone with other animals. Like others have said, ours loves to sunbathe, hates kennels and once she's had a good long run or walk is happy to chill out for most of the day. If in doubt, do have a good talk to the staff at a rescue centre as they generally give good advise about the best dog for your circumstances and PLEASE adopt one that needs a home rather then buying from a breeder. What a lovely message, and thankyou for posting Yvonne. I totally agree, adopt one that NEEDS a home rather than from a breeder. It always amazes me some of the expensive pedigree dogs in re-homing kennels? Three of ours came from Clarks Farm in Maldon, Essex. Steve and Sandra Cobb who run the kennels are excellent and very knowledgeable, as are their staff. Another in the Ipswich area is RGT run by Kevin and Sally Balaam. Sonny, our boy came from kennels in Ockendon. It's heart breaking to see. So many dogs looking out of their enclosures, desperately wanting a good home. We tend to pick the roughest greyhounds we can find, and ones that haven't been fortunate enough to have had a good life previously. They are so rewarding. Once the kennel coat is shed they polish up a treat and the challenge of turning them into loving, contented pets and seeing them change is always a thrill for us. Kristin was our biggest challenge to date, and as said it took us two years, but it was well worth it. She is such an adorable dog. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Another question. Chickens are relatively new to me and i learn something new every day. Battery hens. What are peoples opinions? I did consider getting some after seeing a batch being advertised in the local paper. However, some people say it's cruel because they're not used to free-range life and their feathers are not of the quality to keep the elements out? As said, i really don't know, but would be interested to hear from others. Another lovely animal in desperate need of re-homing, and like the rough looking greyhounds, the rehabilitation process would be a challenge, but very rewarding in my opinion. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Apologies Bokbokbok, there is me going on about the Harlow show and just realised you are in the States! I'm being totally thick here, where is VA? Is it Virginia? I initially thought Vancouver, then realised it is Canada. I'm hopeless Lovely country though. I haven't visited since the early part of this century, Texas and New Orleans, but just wish i had the money. I would love to tour the States. New England particularly draws me. I would love to see it in the Autumn when all the trees are putting on a display. What breed of hens are you getting? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy & Hattie Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I have a Saluki greyhound (cross) called Lucky who absolutely loves to chase squirrels and cats. It's his second favourite hobby, with eating being the first. However, he likes my two hens and if there is any chasing to be done ,you can guarantee that Lucky is the one who runs for his life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 I have a Saluki greyhound (cross) called Lucky who absolutely loves to chase squirrels and cats. It's his second favourite hobby, with eating being the first. However, he likes my two hens and if there is any chasing to be done ,you can guarantee that Lucky is the one who runs for his life. Saluki is another of my favourites. I'm just hoping i live long enough, because there are so many dogs, so little time! Rottweiler and Boston terrier are also on the list. For a moment there i thought you were my greyhound friend, Jane. She has a retired greyhound called Hattie. Sonny also eats for England That boy is such a pig, yet he is the skinniest Good to hear from you x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Daisy & Hattie Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Yeah, mine is skinny too and strangers think I underfeed him. They don't seem to understand that he's supposed to be skinny. I also have a wishlist for dogs. I would love, love, love: a weinaramer, an Old English Sheep dog, a brown and tan Doberman, a Jack Russell, a Westie... Oh the list is endless. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bokbokbokbok Posted March 21, 2009 Share Posted March 21, 2009 Yes, VA is for Virginia. I hope your visit to Texas didn't put you off the States completely. I hear Austin, Texas is an exciting city. We are getting the American version of Gingernut Rangers, of which the pedigree is still a mystery. I've posted on the American Omlet forum, and the closest answer I've received is that they are actually red stars from a specific poultry farm. Evidently, each poultry farm maintains the recipe for its red stars as a trade secret. So that ends our search. I had to laugh when I read your message about selecting the most wearied greyhounds. What is it about greyhounds owners and their bleeding hearts? I've certainly noticed that the ex-racing greys with scars and missing tails are always first to be adopted - at least from our adoption group. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
