My parents have a flock of sheep, but we don't worry about predators with them. It's only the chickens that need protection. I don't think I could do a border collie, based on what you guys are saying about their energy. Are there any dogs that will defend your birds against aerial predators?
Haven't found a perfect breed, but something easy to train, bred for guarding, loyal and alert, friendly, but also not five thousand dollars 🙂 (also something that won't kill chickens because that's what they'll be guarding)