Hi everyone, I was hoping my first post would not be about our dogs killing our chickens. If we cannot find a remedy we are going to have to sell our dogs
Does anyone know of ANY way to break this horrible habit? I've tried putting them on a leash (so they cannot chase them) and then had them on a leash INSIDE a pen and they pulled them were grabbing them through the wire and pulling them under and through it. It's not that the wire is real big but the chickens are picking at the grass and bugs and the dogs are hot after them. This is not a hunger issue, they do not eat them. They just kill them and play with them, Ginger was tossing one the other day and just SO proud of herself. But she and Patches both got the taste of blood now and I just don't know what to do. HELP?!?!?!
Tracy Collins Webboard User Reg: 10-09-2008
Posts: 1917
Loc: St. Louis, Missouri
Offline
Hi and welcome.
I keep chickens in my backyard and have four dogs. I think the best answer is simply preventing access. Keep the chickens in a run that's fenced with 1" welded wire mesh so the dogs can't possibly get to them.
Once the chickens are safe, then you can begin working on training the dogs to leave them alone. You'd do this the way you'd train anything else--reward them for ignoring the chickens and correct them for approaching them. Aussies are smart. This ought to be something that's do-able. Sounds like they simply need another job to do instead of the one they've invented for themselves. It's no different than teaching them that your shoes belong to you. The chickens belong to you and you don't allow them to treat your belongings like their own.
What kind of a pen are they in? The simplest answer (and one used by many, many owners of high drive dogs ) is to keep the dogs contained so they can't get the chickens.
So either contain the chickens so they can't get near the dogs, kennel the dogs somewhere else (which I'd highly recommend so they don't sit there and obsess over animals they can't get to) or have a solid panel around the bottom of your kennel so they can't get to the chickens.
I have a chicken killer. We have chickens. He is never loose around the chickens without supervision and is kenneled where he can't see them during the day. It has eliminated the issue completely.
And the taste of blood is an old wives tale. My oldest dog is raw fed and wouldn't dream of killing chickens.
As mentioned earlier, cover the bottom of the fenced area with smaller guage, galvanized hardware cloth as well as on the ground. Secure the ground section with sod pins (Lowes/Home Depot). This will also prevent predators digging into your run. I also have an electric fence (two strands) around the outside of our chicken run. Took the dogs getting shocked only twice to decide the chickens are not worth bothering with. You can get the e-fence stuff at feed stores, pet stores, etc...
A hot wire is my only success. I use a single strand about 4 " off the ground. It will keep the chickens inside and the dogs outside.
I have never had luck teaching a dog who kills chickens to stop.
When purchasing any product from Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. it is understood
that any and all products sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. are sold in Dunn
County Wisconsin, USA. Any and all legal action taken against Leerburg Enterprises,
Inc. concerning the purchase or use of these products must take place in Dunn
County, Wisconsin. If customers do not agree with this policy they should not
purchase Leerburg Ent. Inc. products.
Dog Training is never without risk of injury. Do not use any of the products
sold by Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. without consulting a local professional.
The training methods shown in the Leerburg Ent. Inc. DVD’s are meant
to be used with a local instructor or trainer. Leerburg Enterprises, Inc. cannot
be held responsible for accidents or injuries to humans and/or animals.
Copyright 2010 Leerburg® Enterprises, Inc. All rights reserved. All photos and content on leerburg.com are part of a registered copyright owned by Leerburg Enterprise, Inc.
By accessing any information within Leerburg.com, you agree to abide by the
Leerburg.com Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.
My Australian Shepherd is killing chickens
Top
Previous Topic
Index
Next Topic
.jpg)
