Can dogs and chickens coexist?

[themidnightmama]

We have a small flock of 4 chickens (one rooster and three hens, two are small breeds - sumatran and sultana). Yesterday we found an abandoned puppy that we are considering keeping. It seems to be a mix but best guess is that it has some degree of treeing tennessee brindle (which is a hunting hound) and possibly stafffordshire terrier. It is a beautiful dog and very smart and seems to be only a few weeks old at most.
My question is whether a dog raised around chickens from puppyhood will adjust to co-existing with them and not attack. My chickens free range at all times. What is the likelihood that the dog could be trusted alone in the yard with them?

 

[Ebony Rose]

I have two dogs, both were adults when I adopted them with unknown past experiences. Some years later, I started raising chickens, started with day-old chicks from the feed store. I have had absolutely NO problems whatsoever with my dogs and chickens coexisting. No fencing hinders their interactions. I feed them in the same area, and they share a communal watering tub. It will be important for you to teach the pup that chickens are not toys, the rest should go smooth as silk.

 

[sylviethecochin]

Some dogs are psychotic and unable to be kept around livestock. They're a very rare minority. Most dogs can be trained, though with a hound/terrier, it might take a bit more training than the average dog requires.

I'd start with a command that means "leave it alone" and introduce gradually, under strict supervision. If you're willing to dedicate the time and effort, you might even get a chicken guardian out of the deal.

 

[cassie]

They can if you start young and teach the dog from day one that the chickens are off limits. Puppies like to chase and you need to keep an eye out and nip this behavior in the bud.