[chuckmad]

HI all,
I've an 8 month labrador puppy, Molly, who lives in our garden. I've 5 hens who live in an enclosed run (previous history with neighbours dog). I want to get Molly used to the hens roaming around the garden.
Has anyone got any tips for socialising Molly and the hens?
JD

[Bailz]

think this could be down to the individual dog. i have taken mine in coop on lead and tryed to get them used to each other but i wouldnt leave them alone together not saying in time you couldnt cheers bailz

[GrannieAnnie]

Mmm I think I agree.  Penny is our 9 year old lab/springer cross.  She hates moles, rats and mice, but will come into the chicken runs with me quite happily.  The only times she has growled at the chickens was when some of them went underneath her and pecked her nipples, and once when a hen got out and tried to peck her bone!!   

If any of the chickens are out in the garden, she totally ignores them.  We are very lucky!

You could try taking your dog in the run on a lead, or if you let the chickens out, have the dog on a lead stting with you and see what she does

[joyfull]

both of my are brilliant with the chickens except when the chickens either come into the house or if the dogs have a bone and the chickens want to help the dogs eat it, however when we first got Ollie at 8 weeks old we had to keep a close eye on her as she would chase them.

[Oliveview]

Our dogs are more interested in the chickens poo! One day though when we were out a hen got over the fence and onto the patio where the dogs were, sadly they killed it.  I imagin a hen flapping about was too much for them.
Pamela

[Chickway]

Morning,  I have three cocker spaniels and they are always out in the garden when the chickens are having their free range time which if I am at home is all day.

When I first brought my first chickens approx 2 years ago the lady suggested that I hold the chicken with someone close behind the dog ready to grab if needed and then slowly move the chickens head towards the dogs mouth so they can get a good smell and taste or feel.  Only do this stage if you are really confident.  The lady said that once the dogs realise that it does not feel nice, smell nice or even taste too nice then they are not so interested. 

It really worked for me and we spent some time with close supervision and now my dogs and chickens roam the garden in peace, sometimes they play chase but never with contact.

Hope this might help you.
Chickway x

[izzy]

our collie/lab cross is great with the chickens until they try to get in the house.It's so funny she see's them off as if this is her domain No Chickens allowed.

[alancane]

Whilst there are some good success stories written above, if you look through this forum you will find just as many, if not more of where the owners thought their dogs would be fine and it hasn't ended nicely for the chickens.
Please be a good dog owner as well as a good hen owner and look after both.

Rant over!   

[wildy78]

I agree with Alan.  I was one of those owners.  My dog is a complete softy and is very laid back, momentary lapses occour and the inevitable happens.  You are very lucky if your dog will socialise with chickens without causing them bother.  Dont forget a dog doesnt have to maim a chicken to kill it, shock alone can do that.

Sorry to be morbid about it but i have most definately learned my lesson.

[Bogof]

I have only had my girls a year now but I've had dogs much longer my current 2 rotwilers have been socialised with the girls since almost day one first outside the run then on leads with the girls free ranging about the garden, then one at a time loose under supervision. But I still think it realy depends on the dog. My two will chase and have killed rabbits when out walking.