Can My Dogs And Chickens Be Friends?
Yes! Your dogs and chickens (and ducks!) can be friends. Now, will they snuggle up and take naps together? Probably not. But hey, follow these tips and maybe you’ll get lucky.
It will take some patience and consistency, so stick with it. In the long run, ESPECIALLY if you want to free range, it’s SO worth it!
Early Introductions Are Key
This might be the most important tip. Letting your chicks get used to your dogs being around and your dogs used to the chicks, before they’re full chickens, can really help them get used to each other. Try sitting by the brooder with your pup close by and holding the chicks. They aren’t running around, you have them secured, but your dog can still see them being handled and around you. Just make sure you’re paying attention….
Let Them See Each Other With a Barrier
Once your flock is old enough, move them to a run area with mesh fencing. The mesh fencing lets the birds and dogs be free around each other without the chance of your dogs getting a bit excited and hurting one of the birds.
Sit With Them Without A Barrier
Once you’re feeling comfortable and confident that they have been seeing each other long enough, it’s time to let them interact. From my experience, the ducks were more open to the dogs earlier than the chickens. The chickens were a bit more skittish.
Try keeping the birds occupied, whether that’s giving them fruity treats while the dogs watch by your side, or letting the ducks swim in their pond/pool so they have some space to get away if they’re uncomfortable with the dogs so close.
Make Sure They Have Their Own Space
Do your best to make sure the flock has their own home base, their own safe space. It can be hard if you let the dogs into the run with you, as I did above, at the beginning, but it’s not too hard to train them to stay out of there afterwards if you stay on top of it.
By making sure the dogs don’t consistently go into the run or the coop, the chickens know they have a place to go if they want to escape the dogs.
Be Consistent
The more time you spend with your flock and your dogs, the more comfortable they will get with each other. There will probably still be times when someone gets curious and a bird gets chased, but if you pay attention and nip that behavior in the butt right away, it shouldn’t happen often.
Soon, everyone will be friends and your afternoons will look like this!
