Off Leash & Chickens

[Ravenbird]

At 4 months we can do supervised off leash around the free range chickens. I have a ball or treats or something and just keep Asha occupied on "our" game and the chickens are ignored. Also, they've gotten use to her so they don't run when they see her like they did at first. That helps a LOT if they don't act like prey!

 

[JanS]

I'm glad it's going so well and what a good girl!

 

[jazzies mum]

Good girl Asha! It probably also helps that the older dog is showing they are to be ignored as well. I am feeding some ones chickens through the holidays while they visit family and I hitch Jazz to the gatepost just in case. These chooks, (Aussie chickens), DID act like prey, even with just me at first as they aren't used to strangers!

 

[Ravenbird]

Yes, Reckless (the Dutchie) was accepted by the original chickens a few years ago and is totally Not A Thing to the chickens now, which include a few generations. But when Asha arrived it was like a fox in the 'hood to them, they scattered and cackled every time they saw her (on leash with me). Now almost 60 days later, they are OK with her, but that rooster never takes his eye off of her. So I'm there to protect Asha from the rooster as well as protecting the hens from Asha! My gut feeling is that it is all ok now, mentally, with Asha chasing, but I will continue to be vigilant until she is older. I'm really proud of her for coming along quickly to the program!

 

[Logan 45]

When I first introduced my goats to my male they ran and also got defensive naturally lol. It made for some fun trying to keep the goats and him from escalating things lol. They do ok now but I was sure for a minute.

 

[Kaiser2016]

but that rooster never takes his eye off of her. So I'm there to protect Asha from the rooster as well as protecting the hens from Asha!

Interesting, is the rooster such a threat to her or is it just because she is still too ‘small’ physically?

 

[Rits]

Interesting, is the rooster such a threat to her or is it just because she is still too ‘small’ physically?

Roosters have switchblades attached to their legs lol. Those spurs are their defense. A roosters job is to address threats and protect his flock. Those spurs can pack a punch.

 

[Kaiser2016]

Roosters have switchblades attached to their legs lol. Those spurs are their defense. A roosters job is to address threats and protect his flock. Those spurs can pack a punch.

Damn, I didn’t know that!

Hey @Oh Little Oji I think we found your next pet!

 

[Oh Little Oji]

Damn, I didn’t know that!

Hey @Oh Little Oji I think we found your next pet!

Yes! I like the sound of that! Only from working lines though, with ICS III titles behind him (International Cock Strutting).

 

[Ravenbird]

Yes, what @Rits said. This rooster's daddy was mean as a snake, he attacked people. I thought I could train it out of him, but it wasn't going to happen. I'll never waste time trying to train a bad rooster again. But it did teach me to admire a good rooster who protects the flock without getting stupid about everything. Blue (this ones daddy) would run at you feet first, he would leave the flock to come stalk & attack, especially if you were bending down, like pulling weeds. One time my friend set down a bowl of fresh water and he flew at her and drew blood on her arm and face. They aim for the eyes. He became dog food soon after that. So far Stuart (the current rooster) doesn't even give a stink eye toward people or Reckless because he knew we weren't a threat. But when Asha arrived he watched and watched and watched her with a hard stare - just doing his job, she was new in his territory, but I was wary & kept Asha on leash around them for a long time. Since this post Stuart has become more relaxed around Asha and Asha is getting even less interested in the chickens.

As for pets, if you have only one rooster and no hens they make fine pets and rarely attack anything or anybody as they have no flock to defend or impress or fight over.