Dogs and chickens

[katsmeow112]

So we moved the chickens from the brooder, which the dog was very interested in, to the coop and run. The dogs will never be in the chickens space, I know they can’t be trusted. But, when the chickens are outside their coop in their run visible to the dog, she goes nuts. Sometimes she sits at the fence crying and sometimes she runs up and down the fence line. Will she ever get used to them? Is this a novelty or do I need to do some training with her? The chickens don’t seem to be too bothered, they have plenty of space to keep their distance from the fence.

Attached is a photo of the dogs with a previous batch of chickens. Everyone was okay together as long as I was there, otherwise the chickens were fenced off. I’m not sure what is different with this new batch.

 

[orloffer]

Cute dogs! It would probably best to do some training with your dog. If she knows lie down/settle (on a mat if needed), you can have her do that in the yard somewhere where she is far enough away from the chickens so she isn't aroused or interested in them. Have her on a leash. Reward her for staying calm and paying attention to you and not the chickens. Gradually start practicing this closer and closer to the chickens, and if she starts showing interest in the chickens or can't focus, move farther away again. It will take a lot of patience and high-value treats, but it would be good to work on this before things have a chance to get out of hand. Best of luck with her! We have a puppy who luckily doesn't show too much interest in our chickens, but I am prepared to work on this too if it becomes necessary.

It's strange that she was okay with previous chickens, but is very interested in your new ones. I suppose it is just the novelty, and the fact that they are younger (smaller, fluffier, and perhaps more skittish).

 

[BigBlueHen53]

I see that this is a couple months old but I'm wondering how it's going. Is this method working or would the OP like some alternative suggestions?