[john w]

We are new to keeping chickens and currently have 3. When we got them 2 weeks ago they laid 2 eggs within 2 days. Then one of our dogs got hold of one of the chickens and shook it in his mouth. This was clearly upsetting for the chickens. The injured chicken is making a recovery and after some assertive dog training they are now safe. However they have not laid an egg since this episode. Someone told me last night that once they are scared like this they never lay eggs. Has anyone any advice or experience of such a situation?

[SnooziSuzi]

Hi John,

I can't help you with your question but someone will be along to give some advice, I just wanted to welcome you to the forum!  

[john w]

Thankyou SnooziSuzi- joined the forum just today. We are enjoying keeping chickens but useful advice from experts would be helpful

[Jellyhead]

My chickens had a fright a few weeks ago, one of my dogs got in and killed one it was awful. However they do get over it and the others were okay within a few days. Also getting eggs, so peace and quiet and a few treats and hopefully they will get back to normal.

[john w]

Thankyou Frenchconnection - I am pleased to hear what you have said. The other factor in the lack of any eggs is probably the cold. Reading lots of questions on here seems to confirm this.

[richyrich7]

The other factor in the lack of any eggs is probably the cold. Reading lots of questions on here seems to confirm this.

Not so much the cold, I'm still getting3-4 eggs a day from 4 birds it's the daylight length it affects egg laying. If you where to increase their daylight length with artificial lighting like the barn and caged farmers do they would lay most days. You should find now we have passed the winter solstice that you gradually get an improvement in egg numbers

[Aunt Sally]

Welcome John W.  I hope you'll enjoy our forums  

I've heard this story so many times before  

I even have friends who have said that their family dog is "so soft and would never hurt a fly",  then one day it goes of the hens  :shock:

It's too much to ask of a dog (any dog) never to touch the prey animals !

If the dog can get to the hens they MUST be supervised  :!:

[Selkie]

That's why we keep our hens in their run (aswell as not wanting them to go into the neighbours gardens/school playground) - I'm not convinced that our dog would be ok with them if they were allowed out in the garden. :?

[john w]

we have 2 dogs - both hunting dogs and  as we live on a farm we let them have the freedom of the surrounding area - rabbits fall victim. I have built a run and put up 2mtr high netting around. I was leaving the door of the run open so they could really wonder about but now I leave them in the run - which is still a decent size - 16mtr2 - my dogs now know to leave them alone but you are correct I will not leave them alone together - thanks x

[Jellyhead]

Normally my chooks are safe in a lovely big run but what a day that Sunday was. Some fence had "just" blown down right at the back of the run and next to the coop. The chooks managed to get underneath it and decided to go and explore. That same afternoon the dogs got out, that never normally happens as we have fencing round about 1/3 acre of the garden around the house and keep the dogs in that area. of course one of the dogs spotted the chooks and all hell broke loose. We lost Henrietta, a lovely little Pekin bantam, the only saving grace is that we have 2 of her chicks who are about 12 weeks old now. I never take chances with my dogs it was just a horrible accident :cry:

[Selkie]

That's so sad

[Aunt Sally]

That's so true Frenchconnection  :!:   You can take all the precautions you can think of but the unexpected is just that  :evil:

[babe]

aww frenchie, so sorry to hear this. i hope all the others are ok x

[GrannieAnnie]

If I let Penny go into the run when I let the chooks out so she can look for rat holes, she's fine until they start pecking her nipples, then she's at the gate wanting to be let OUT!!!!