Keeping Chickens Newsletter

Very sadly the rooster with the horse in last month's newsletter was among those killed.

Patty Zinkowski : Great newsletter this month. It's a real treat to read it. One more question, could you (or any of your readers) suggest a breed of dog that would help protect chickens? I live in a semi-rural but seasonal area. My hens roam freely all fall, winter and spring with no problems. But, come summer, when the "summer folk" return with their city dogs and think it's great to let them go free in the countryside, my animals are targets. I'm surrounded by neighbors who don't think the leash law applies to their hounds. My chickens (and alpacas) are harassed, chased, and sadly killed. Last week I lost 4 hens and my rooster to a "pack of two" summer dogs who found great sport in chasing them down in my yard! I need a farm dog that can help me guard my livestock. Or, do I lock up my hens until September? My partner is allergic to cats/dogs so I've avoided having a dog. But, I know certain breeds are hypo-allergenic and perhaps there is a breed out there that might be keen to protect poultry?? Alpacas? Property? Any advice welcome.

My Reply : I'm really sorry to hear that. There are several breeds of dogs which come under the term 'livestock guarding dogs'. Like any working dogs they do need to be trained to do the job but they are by breeding naturally inclined (and big enough) to protect so are perhaps what you are looking for. On the next page I have reprinted an excellent article about using Anatolian Shepherd Dogs for Poultry Guarding by Jennifer Floyd (who very kindly gave me her permission to reprint it in The Keeping Chickens Newsletter). Anatolian Shepherd Dogs are one of several breeds traditionally known as 'livestock guarding dogs'. More info about the breed can be found here : http://www.anatoliandog.org If you are interested in reading more about livestock guarding dogs in general there is a guide by the USDA here :
http://www.nal.usda.gov/awic/companimals/guarddogs/guarddogs.htm