We found a lost dog (a mixed terrier). We have seen her attacking rabbits. We would like to know if terriers genetically attack chickens also as they attack rabbits. We don’t want our chickens to be hurt by any mean.
2006-07-18 05:06:26 · 10 answers · asked by Ale 2 in Pets ➔ Dogs
We had 12 sight hounds, a terrier, and a flock of chickens as well as many other farm animals....The only thing we couldn't teach the hounds to leave alone, was peacocks...Only because they appeared wild, we couldn't pet them, etc... The Terrier never bothered any of the animals, even the rabbits.
Take the Terrier around the chickens on a leash..Talk to him, while you are doing the feeding chores, and keep him by your side.
When he has it figured that the chickens are your possessions, he will leave them alone, and likely be protective of them.
If he pulls the leash to get at them, allow him to approach them, speaking as if you are introducing him to them..no scolding...remain up-beat, and act as though they are your friends and his friends too.
You shouldn't have any troubles.
Terriers have been good farm dogs for many centuries, keeping rats out of the barn, and foxes out of the henhouse.
2006-07-18 05:18:40 · answer #1 · answered by Chetco 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
I own a Jack Russell Terrier/Bull Terrier mix. And I can tell you right now that those dogs will attack anything that moves and doesn't attack it first...well, besides the people that are around it everyday. Since you don't know what kind of terrier it is, but have seen it attack rabbits, I'm sure it's safe to say that if allowed to, it'll attack chickens...I don't know if it's proven, but I speak from experience.
2006-07-18 05:11:58 · answer #2 · answered by madame_operaghost 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
That dog likely will. Even if it doesn't ATTACK the chickens, a terrier can chase them to death. This happened to a friend of mine. She had some chickens and a terrier mix; one morning after getting new chickens, her family found them dead in the yard. They weren't torn up, so they suspect their dog chased the chickens until they dropped dead.
I'm sure they can be trained to leave chickens alone, though. My friend met a couple of people who suggested tying a dead chicken to the terrier's collar and leaving it there for a week or so. By that time, the terrier will get sick of the smell and avoid chickens. My friend hasn't tried it yet but it sounds like a good idea.
2006-07-18 05:24:07 · answer #3 · answered by ATWolf 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can tell you from personal experience that I have never seen a dog attack a chicken. However, I have seen the opposite happen. My mom and dad had yard chickens when my siblings and I were growing up. One evening while playing outside, I heard the dog yelping, I went to investigate. The chicken was attacking the dog, as the dog was trying to run away. I also watched the same chicken, chase automobile, the 3 wheeler and try to attack my sister.
2006-07-18 06:11:12 · answer #4 · answered by Liz 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Terriers were bred to hunt down and kill small game and yes that would include chickens if they could get at them.
They will kill or try to kill almost anything they can catch.
Terriers as a breed are very very active and asssertive aggressive small dogs. They will try to take on anything in thier path. They do not get that they are small they have 100 pound attitude in 5 pound body.
If this dog has a high prey drive (it chases rabbits) I would keep it away from my chickens and any other small animals.
2006-07-18 06:31:34 · answer #5 · answered by tlctreecare 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
All dogs have a genetic disposition to chase any other animal that can be considered prey. However, they also can learn that domestic animals, including birds, are off limits. It's a matter of teaching your terrier that the chickens are off limits. If she can't be trained, find her another home.
2006-07-18 05:12:47 · answer #6 · answered by quietwalker 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, chicken is a natural prey for dogs. if the dog attack rabbit, they will attack chicken as well.
2006-07-18 05:13:31 · answer #7 · answered by putri p 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
all dogs that are big enough stand a chance of attacking any smaller animal also big house cats will sometime get rabbits chickens or whatever they can. i had a calico cat and she would kill anything and eat it.
2006-07-18 05:11:59 · answer #8 · answered by native 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yep, terriers are genetically agressive animals, be careful to not get them in packs (they will attack eachother as well)...
Perhaps its something like a puppy nepolian complex. )shrug(
2006-07-18 05:11:22 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Aw c'mon!!! ALL/ANY dog will take chickens UNTIL/UNLESS *TAUGHT* not to!
Keep ALL dogs away from ANY small animal until PROVEN "stock broke"!!!
2006-07-18 10:09:39 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋