Will a Roo protect my hens from roaming dogs?

[TexasWineGuy]

Last week while my 6 hens were free-ranging some neighbors dog got out (pure breed Pointer) and killed 2 hens, and severely wounded another. I got off a couple shots (pistol) at it but missed.

Two days later the dog is back! I grabbed my pistol again and ran after it. Caught up with the owner, who was touring around the neighborhood in a golf cart - while letting the dog run loose.

I gave the owner a serious mouthful and made it clear that I will shoot that dog on site if it enters my property again (this time with a 12 gauge....).

Yesterday. something got another hen. Just a huge pile to feathers left.

I don't feel safe letting my hens free-range anymore. Hate the thought of keeping them locked up their entire lives.

Question: will a Roo protect my hens from such and event - a roaming dog?

Thanks,
TWG

 

[aart]

Question: will a Roo protect my hens from such and event - a roaming dog?

Not likely.
Build a bigger run to keep your birds safe.

 

[MountainWoman73]

He might try, but it's not a really good protection. I had a really good roo who died running straight at a bobcat, and saved all his hens. I have also had a dumb one who just ran in circles yelling and then dove under the porch to save himself during a hawk attack.

Dogs are a tough one, for sure. But a rooster likely won't solve the problem.

 

[AinaWGSD]

Roosters primarily serve as a lookout, very few will actually try to physically protect their hens from a predator. Especially one as large as a gundog. If your only reason for wanting a rooster is to deter predators you'd be better off investing in a large secure run.

 

[JacinLarkwell]

No

 

[TexasWineGuy]

Thanks guys. Guess I need to look into a fence.

TWG