Many dogs will kill chickens and it’s best to keep your flock fully protected against an unwelcome visit from Butch next door, but what about your own dogs? Can your dog be turned out with your chickens without fear of feathers flying?
When I got my first hens, I had their pen completely separate from my dogs, never dreaming that they’d be able to cohabitate peaceably. Two years later, my 15 chickens, two dogs and three cats were still getting along just fine. A little patience on my part ended up saving time and headaches down the road.
Proper introductions are important
My first feathered friends were six older pullets that were just coming into lay and my dogs showed a definite interest in them – whether it was normal curiosity or hope of a tasty meal, I’m not sure. Being new to chicken-keeping, I spent a lot of time outside with the girls and my dogs were never far from my side. I made sure to talk to Molly and Jethro as I worked around the chickens, training their focus on me rather than the birds. I’d often pick up one of the hens for the dogs to sniff and check out, making sure I had a good grip should either of the dogs get overly excited. I kept talking to the dogs in a soft, praising voice and if they got too excited or nippy, switched to a stern voice.
I started to let the chickens into the big yard for short periods as long as I was there to remove the dogs if necessary. I made sure I was in a position to get between the dogs and chickens should the dogs decide to give chase, giving the chickens enough time to get to safety before becoming lunch. Before long, the novelty wore off and the chickens became just another part of the landscape.
Bringing home baby
Chicks were another matter entirely. I bought day-old chicks and housed them in a large storage container in the house until they were feathered enough to put outside. Since the dogs (and cats) had access to the chicks all day and night, I put the container inside a large wire dog crate to keep them safe from inquisitive housemates. Constant peeping and fluttering about kept the dogs interested, but they couldn’t get to the goods. As I handled the chicks, I did much the same as with their older sisters outside – I’d pick them up and introduce each to the dogs, praising the pups throughout, and scolding them gently if they got too excited. Several weeks of daily interaction made it a matter of routine and while the dogs remained interested in the lively little critters, they no longer seemed to want to swallow them whole. Molly considered them her babies each spring and I’m sure will expect more chicks yearly.
Safety is paramount
Even though it got to the point where I felt my chickens were safe with my dogs outside, I never left them together when I wasn’t home. Even the friendliest dog can give chase unexpectedly and once wings start flapping and the prey drive kicks in, there’s often no stopping them. I have a large quince bush in the back yard that the chickens enjoyed hanging around, and it was equal distance to the bush or the coop from the middle of the yard. If the dogs did get antsy, the hens could seek refuge beneath the shrub or get to the coop before the dogs could overtake them.
It never became an issue with mine, but your flock needs to feel secure so make sure you have safety measures built in. Never allow your dogs full access to them without a way for your chickens to escape safely.
More from Marie Anne:
Straight Poop on Keeping Backyard Chickens
Keeping Chickens Cool in the Summer Heat
Things to Use for a Chicken Nest Box