Ben, the new chicken dog, is now 7 mo. old and has been a dream to train for chicken guarding and basic commands. He's learned everything with lightning speed and retains it well...I can't even begin to tell you all the things he's learned in the 5 mo. he's been here. A good, gentle, calm, sweet and intelligent dog, is Ben.
I trust him completely with the chickens and have trusted him with them since the first month he was here. He's not laid a tooth on a chicken, nor has he attempted to chase one. He was breaking up the matings, gently but firmly nudging the rooster off the hens, until I corrected him on it and he's not done it since.
Now Jake gets rest at night, while Ben guards. Ben, just like Jake, is a quiet dog and rarely ever barks. I love that about him! We really enjoy our quiet little woodland homestead and a barking dog would just ruin all of that. I've only heard him bark a few warning barks a handful of times at night since he's been here...he has a deep, melodic bark.
That's my update on a very integral part of our homestead here, the chicken dogs...without them, we would not even attempt to have chickens out here in the boonies.
Ben...helped me today with all my chores, took his pic.
Laying is increasing...it's that time of year. Almost time for breeding, then brooding, then chicks!!!!
