Feel worse than horrible...lost my first bird due to my own stupidity

[tankernav1]

So do most people worry about their dogs. We thought ours would chase the chickens but they ignore them. ONe of the dogs likes to follow them around and eat the poop, another just lays and watches them and the 3rd dog ignores them 99% of the time but ocasionally will run after them for about 4 seconds and then walk off. Should I be worried? My chickens are out all day and the dogs have free run if they want to be outside. I used to worry about one of the outdoor cats but he ignores them now that they have fluffed their feathers and squawked at him. Do most people have dogs and cats around the chickens?

 

[1stepcloser]

Tanker, my dogs were exactly like yours. They ignored them, were not aggressive, would even look away from them showing submission when I was there. But at the end of the day a dog is a predator and a chicken is at the bottom of the food chain. Any interaction is a disaster waiting to happen.

 

[redhen]

So sorry about your bird...

 

[tankernav1]

Ok. Thanks. But I just can't imagine my dogs doing anything to them. I guess we'll just have to wait and take that chance. The chickens are SO much happier out and about during the day. I guess I would rather have them living happy. I can't imagine at the end of their laying years what I will do with them and I always remind myself they are just chickens. BUT they are out PETS too! Thanks. Anyone with positive dog experiences that have never had them eaten please let me know!

 

[1stepcloser]

I guess some people have to learn the hard way. I know I did.

 

[tankernav1]

I didn't mean that to sound heartless. But they either spend their entire life in the coop or they run around our acreage. I realize there are dangers out there to them but I suppose I'm willing to take that chance. I know that we have given them a good life and we take great care of them. I would hate to keep them locked up for years just because something MIGHT happen. Sounds like I'm talking about children!

 

[DWH]

Eventually we're all going feel the excruciating deep pain of losing one of our birds, we may never forgive whatever caused it (dogs maybe) but, we have to be strong. Better days will come. I'm sorry for you and your birds.

 

[1stepcloser]

We adopted two new birds from a nice local farmer. The neighbor (an incredibly talented carpenter) has offered to help me build a big pen to keep the chickens/dogs permanently separated.

 

[Kittymomma]

We adopted two new birds from a nice local farmer. The neighbor (an incredibly talented carpenter) has offered to help me build a big pen to keep the chickens/dogs permanently separated.

That's great news!

If you haven't already, be sure to check out some of the threads on quarantine for your new birds. What kind did you get?​

 

[werecatrising]

Quote:
My pyrenees mix is with the birds all the time.