Do you have some chickens and a Boston Terrier? While Bostons are loving dogs, you will need to take some steps to introduce them properly. Bella, my Boston Terrier, has accidentally killed baby chickens before out of excitement.
Here is a step-by-step guide to introducing your Boston Terrier to chickens that will help ensure the safety of everyone involved.
Introducing Your Boston Terrier to Chickens
As I said, Bella killed a few baby chickens in her day, not on purpose but because she was excited and was jumping around them, which caused her to land on some baby chicks. I want to avoid this for you, and here is how to get started.
Step-by-Step Introduction Of Chickens
1. Start Slow –
The first step in introducing your Boston Terrier to chickens is to start slow and make sure both parties remain calm. To begin, simply bring your Boston close enough that he can see and smell the chickens but not close enough that they feel threatened by his presence. This will give them an opportunity to get used to each other’s presence without feeling overwhelmed or scared.
2. Use Treats –
Once the two parties have become comfortable with one another, it’s time to take it up a notch. Offer treats and praise while your Boston remains calm around the chickens. This will help him associate positive reinforcement with being around the chickens, which will encourage him to behave himself around them in the future.
3. Increase Interaction Time –
Gradually increase the amount of time that your Boston spends with the chickens by having him spend time in the yard with them while they are grazing, as long as your Boston remains calm and attentive throughout this process. This will help him become more familiar with their environment and behaviors, which will further reduce any potential tension between them in the future.
4. Supervised Interactions –
Before allowing unsupervised interactions between your Boston and chickens, always make sure that someone is present at all times who can intervene if necessary; this could be yourself or another trusted adult who is familiar with both animals and can ensure their safety should things turn sour unexpectedly.
As long as both parties remain respectful towards one another during supervised interactions, it won’t be long before they are able to interact freely together without fear of harm coming to either one!
Are Boston Terriers good with chickens?
No, according to two polls one on the Boston Terrier Society Twitter community and one on the YouTube community, over 55% of Boston Terrier owners say their Boston does not get along with chickens.
Bella, my Boston Terrier, now gets along great with chickens after first accidentally stepping on and killing a few baby chicks.
What is the best dog to have while raising chickens?
According to Perma Culture News, the best dogs to have while raising livestock is the Anatolian Shepherd Dog, The Great Pyrenees, and the Akbash.
Final Thoughts
With patience and proper supervision, introducing your Boston Terrier to chickens can be done safely and without causing undue stress on either party involved! Just remember that all introductions should start slowly and gradually build up over time as both animals become familiar with one another’s presence — once you reach this point, you’ll be well on your way toward having a harmonious relationship between your canine companion and feathered friends! Good luck!
Need more help training your Boston Terrier? Start here – 14 Essential Boston Terrier Puppy Training Tips!