My Dog Killed My Chicken – Now What? A Detailed Guide For Next Steps

As a chicken owner discovering that your beloved dog has killed one of your prized chickens is absolutely devastating. While it’s a natural instinct for dogs to chase and kill smaller prey animals that doesn’t make it any easier to handle when it’s your own pet that has caused harm to your flock.

So now that the unthinkable has happened how do you deal with a dog that has killed a chicken? Here is a comprehensive guide on the steps to take after your dog has killed a chicken how to prevent it from happening again, and tips for training your dog to live peacefully with backyard chickens.

Initial Reaction – Securing The Area and Remaining Calm

First things first, do not panic. Take a deep breath and try to remain calm. Yelling at or punishing your dog after the fact will not change what has happened.

• Safely secure your dog away from the remaining chickens and the area where the attack happened. Put your dog inside, in a crate or secure kennel where they cannot access the chickens.

• If there are dead chickens, photograph any dead birds and the scene as evidence. Do not move or touch anything until after pictures are taken.

• Check on the remaining flock. Look for any injuries or signs of stress/shock. Isolate any injured chickens and care for their wounds.

• Remove the carcass(es) once the scene has been documented. Take steps to clean up any blood and feathers.

• Give yourself time before determining next steps. Knee-jerk reactions often lead to regret. Let the initial anger and grief pass before making permanent decisions about your dog.

Understanding Why Dogs Attack Chickens

In order to prevent this from happening again, it’s important to understand the reason behind your dog’s actions:

• Prey Drive – Dogs are predators, and chickens are prey. Some dogs have an extremely strong instinct to chase and kill smaller animals, especially breeds like terriers who were historically used for hunting rodents and vermin.

• Play – Well-meaning but energetic dogs may see chickens as toys and play too roughly, causing fatal harm. Puppies and adolescent dogs are especially prone to this.

• Stress – Dogs that are anxious, afraid or feel threatened may lash out at chickens. Sudden changes like new chickens or a different environment can trigger this.

• Hunger – While rare in pet dogs, feral or neglected dogs may attack chickens out of extreme hunger. Make sure your dog is getting adequate nutrition.

• Breed Tendencies – Some breeds like terriers, hounds and northern breeds are more likely to have high prey drives. But any individual dog of any breed can potentially view chickens as prey. Proper training and management is key.

First Line Of Defense – Separation

If your dog has killed a chicken, the first thing you’ll need to do is ensure they are separated at all times. This protects your flock from any further harm. Here are some ways to separate chickens and dogs:

• Confining your dog indoors or in a secure kennel run when chickens are free-ranging.

• Building a secure, predator-proof outdoor run or kennel for your dog.

• Reinforcing your coops and runs to be dog-proof. Fortify any weak areas.

• Supervising all interactions between chickens and dogs, keeping dogs leashed, until proven trustworthy.

• Rehoming the dog if you cannot provide complete separation from chickens.

Training A Dog To Live With Chickens

While separation is essential after a dog has killed chickens, some dogs can be trained to peacefully co-exist with chickens with time and proper training. Here are some tips:

• Obedience training is a must to teach impulse control. Work on commands like “leave it.”

• Muzzle train your dog and have them wear a basket muzzle anytime chickens are present.

• Slowly reintroduce your dog to chickens at a distance, rewarding calm behavior. Gradually decrease distance.

• Correct unwanted chasing or aggression. Do not hit. Instead use verbal corrections.

• Socialize puppies with chickens from a very early age.

• Consider specialized training if problems persist. Avoid any punitive techniques.

If Your Neighbor’s Dog Kills Your Chickens

Having a neighbor’s dog infiltrate your property and kill your chickens is any backyard farmer’s worst nightmare. While tensions may be high, avoid direct confrontation. Document evidence and contact authorities. Here are tips for handling a neighbor’s dog killing chickens:

• Photograph and take video footage as evidence if it occurs again.

• Call animal control and/or the police department to file a report.

• Research local leash laws and livestock/pet protection laws.

• Discuss the issue with your neighbor, show documentation and be aware of your legal rights.

• Reinforce fencing, supervise animals more, confine free-ranging as needed to protect your flock.

• As a last resort, many states allow livestock owners to legally shoot dogs caught actively pursuing or killing livestock on their property if all other avenues have been exhausted.

Prevention Moving Forward

While you can’t change what has happened in the past, you can take steps to prevent it in the future. Some tips:

• Evaluate your property for weak spots dogs can access and make improvements.

• Check local ordinances on secure fencing laws and proper containment of dogs.

• Only allow supervised interaction between chickens and dogs from now on.

• Consider not free-ranging chickens if dogs cannot be fully contained away from them.

• Rehome dogs with high prey drive towards chickens.

• Train dogs using positive reinforcement, continue socializing puppies with chickens.

• Confine chickens in a secure run when unattended.

• Install motion-sensor lights/cameras to alert you of trespassers.

When To Rehome A Chicken-Killing Dog

Despite your best efforts, some dogs are simply not able to live safely with chickens. Rehoming is a last resort, but here are some signs it may be time:

• The dog continues attempting to kill chickens despite training efforts. The risk is too high.

• You cannot provide complete separation at all times between chickens and dogs.

• The dog appears stressed and unhappy being constantly managed around chickens.

• You do not have the time, energy or funds to continue training and reinforcing secure containment.

• The dog injures or kills chickens even while supervised around them. Their prey drive is too strong.

• The dog escapes and trespasses despite your best efforts, causing recurrent issues.

Don’t Blame The Dog – Redirect The Instinct

While extremely upsetting, it’s important not to judge your dog too harshly. They are acting on natural instincts, not out of malice. Here are some tips:

• Do not punish or scold dogs after the fact – they will not connect that to the act done hours/days before.

• Redirect their energy into positive outlets like obedience training, exercise, puzzle toys.

• Dogs with high prey drives need appropriate outlets like lure coursing, hunting trials or chasing balls.

• If you decide to rehome the dog, be honest about why and find a suitable home without small pets.

• Make sure your dog is spayed/neutered to prevent hormonal influences on prey drive.

• Consult with trainers and behaviorists for breed-specific solutions to prey drive.

When All Else Fails – Rehome Responsibly

For some dogs and chicken owners, the situation is simply not workable no matter what steps are taken. Rehoming is a responsible option if it provides the best quality of life for all animals involved. Here are tips for rehoming a chicken-killing dog:

• Contact breed-specific rescues about taking the dog in. Be honest about the chicken-killing and don’t downplay.

• Reach out to trusted family and friends that may be able to provide a good home.

• Screen potential adopters thoroughly. Inform them of the dog’s history. Meet them and their home.

• Require potential adopters to sign a contract that the dog will be safely confined away from small pets and poultry.

• Follow up periodically after rehoming to ensure the dog’s needs are being properly met.

• If the dog is a danger to the community, as a very last resort, humane euthanasia may be considered.

Moving Forward After A Dog Kills Chickens

Having your dog kill one of your beloved chickens is a truly traumatic event. It’s important to process your emotions and not make hasty decisions. With time, prevention measures and training, many dogs can learn to successfully live with backyard chickens. Proper management and containment is key. In some cases, rehoming may be the right call. While it’s a difficult situation, use this as a learning experience to improve coexistence going forward. With caution and common sense, you can keep both your flock and your dog safe.