Shelties and chickens

S

Stephen

Forums Regular
I'll start out with this as my first post here.

Does anyone here have experience with Shelties and chickens?

Shiloh is our 11-week old male Sheltie, and when he's outside, he shares our one acre fenced yard with 15 chickens that have free range during the day. So far, he has had fun chasing them a bit, and (I suppose) trying to herd them. Often I will see him just sitting with a group of the chickens watching over them. There is even one of the hens that seems to enjoy his company more than being with the other chickens. My previous dog (a German Shepherd) pretty much just ignored the chickens. I'm wondering if and how Shiloh's behavior might change as he gets older. At one point when the German Shepherd was young, she killed several chickens. Once she got older, she realized that they were not her toys and she left them alone. I'm just wondering if Shelties have any track record on this.

Thanks!

Sheltie and chickens photo
 
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Hi, well I don't know about killing chickens, but shelties do like to herd. I am sure someone here will have an idea.
But welcome to the friendliest forum on line! You will really enjoy it here. Everyone is very friendly and there is great advice and support offered.
Post some pictures! We love pictures. I can't wait to see Shiloh and the chickens! I have a 6 month old male named Chinook, and a 10 week old female named Maia. Welcome!
 
Oh, I just went to the link you had with your post. Shiloh is a cutie! The chickens are bigger than he is. He must have a hay day with them!
 
Ania said:
Oh, I just went to the link you had with your post. Shiloh is a cutie! The chickens are bigger than he is. He must have a hay day with them!
Click to expand...

I was just noticing this afternoon how much he has grown. He is now about even with them or larger. It's amazing how quickly they grow up!
 
Welcome to the group. I know that he will keep herding the chickens as he gets older - my girls herd my son! Anyway, as for killing or hurting the chickens, I'm not sure. I guess as he got older I would just keep an eye on him. I really don't think that you will have to worry about him killing them although I could be wrong. Very cute pic by the way!
 
Shelties are all-purpose farm dogs. So they'll work anything, pretty much: sheep, cattle, ducks, goats and, yes, chickens. :yes: Since chickens don't fly like to prey birds of the outer Shetland Islands -- where they protected the young lambs from sea birds -- they probably won't trigger aggression. If he attempts to bite one, just correct him with "No Nip" or No Bite," and that should suffice.

Welcome -- we're hoping to add chickens here one day, so keep us posted, please, on Shiloh's progress!
 
First let me tell you, your little one is just stunning. I love the look staring at the chicken. You received great advice no nip, no bite. I am new here and this board is fantastic, and fun. Kelly keeps this board in tip top shape too, she is the head hen here, rules the roost. Welcome
 
Shiloh is adorable and I love the name, it's pretty. It is funny that Shiloh is smaller than the chickens, but you're right, they grow fast. Shelties are herding dogs so he may try to do that, but I can't imagine that he'd kill them. A lot of great information is available on this forum and as already mentioned, it is a friendly forum. Enjoy!
 
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