Most dogs are not trying to kill your birds. They simply want to chase, but even chasing can be fatal, because chickens often break their necks trying to get away, or die of heart attacks if they have no where safe to escape.
Unfortunately, some dogs attempt to catch, kill, or even consume chickens living alongside them. But you should get mad at your dog for doing so — he isn't doing so out of malice; it is simply a byproduct of his instinctual drives. Fortunately, training and other interventions can keep your flock safe.
The Root of the Behavior Most dogs don't want to kill chickens, they just want to chase and play. But chickens may break their necks or have a heart attack if they're trying to run away and can't find a safe place.
1. Leashed Command and Pull
“More than 750 million chickens are killed each year for KFC in the cruellest ways imaginable, yet KFC has refused to do anything whatsoever to eliminate the worst abuses that these animals suffer.”
Most chicken losses occur at night when raccoons, skunks, opossums, owls, mink, and weasels are most likely to prowl. The best defense against night shift chicken snatchers is a sturdy tight coop. Chickens come inside at dusk and are almost comatose when sleeping.
Most chicken losses occur at night when raccoons, skunks, opossums, owls, mink, and weasels are most likely to prowl. The best defense against night shift chicken snatchers is a sturdy tight coop. Chickens come inside at dusk and are almost comatose when sleeping.
He sends Drover away so he can enjoy a chicken dinner. Sally May catches Hank eating and assumes he's the one killing the chickens. Loper punishes Hank by tying the chicken's head to a piece of string and making Hank wear it on his neck.
A dog who has attacked or killed a chicken isn't irredeemable. You can contact a trainer or behaviorist to help rein in your dog's instinct to hunt. Keeping your dog trained, exercised, and engaged is a good way to keep them away from unwanted activities.
Again, use your own judgment or contact a professional. If you own a dog who has just attacked, killed, or injured a chicken or other livestock animal that you also own, contain the dog immediately so the dog can not access the livestock. Give yourself a few days to think clearly and to calm down.
Secure your dog to the leash and safely stow your chickens in a coop. Once they are both safe and secure, slowly head over to the chickens. Keep an eye on your dog's behavior and wait for him to pull or lunge. As soon as he goes for the chickens, say "STOP" loudly and firmly so he knows you mean business.
The brands included Nestlé Purina's Waggin' Train and Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats as well as Milo's Kitchen treats produced by Del Monte's pet food division (now known as Big Heart Pet Brands). The companies insisted that the treats had never been unsafe for pets and that the withdrawals were precautionary.