Livestock guardian dog protection of free-range poultry from the red fox

Abstract

Context Predation of layer chickens is a major issue for free-range egg producers. Using livestock guardian dogs (LGD) to protect free-ranging poultry is a possible option for producers, although there is little published literature regarding how the dogs protect chickens. Aims This case study was conducted at a free-range egg production farm in Western Australia, where red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were a common predator of chickens prior to introducing Maremma LGD. We investigated LGD responses to experimental cues that might indicate fox incursion (fox urine and calls). Methods Four dogs were GPS tracked and monitored using camera traps. Over the first week, experimental fox cues were set out around the paddock boundaries, alternating with ‘non-cue’ experimental control nights. We recorded whether the LGD altered (1) their space use, (2) activity patterns (movement speed), or (3) behaviour in response to these cues. We also recorded (4) distances between LGD from known sightings of foxes. Key results The Maremmas appeared to work independently of each other, covering separate areas. There was no significant difference in overnight home range area by experimental fox cue treatment, but there was a significant (P < 0.001) treatment × dog interaction term for distance moved. Three dogs spent most of their time at night around the chicken shelters and generally increased distances moved on experimental fox cue nights. The fourth dog was more bonded to people and did not alter its movements. Paradoxically, dogs rested more and barked less on experimental fox cue nights; however, we recorded foxes on camera traps placed around the chicken shelters on 17 of the 23 nights of monitoring, and the high background activity level of foxes on this property compromised our experimental control (nights without experimental fox cues). The dogs did not move towards known fox sightings. Conclusions The Maremmas in this trial closely guarded the chicken shelters rather than maintaining the entire paddock as a predator-exclusion zone. Implications Understanding how guardian dogs behave when challenged by potential predators will help increase producers’ confidence in the efficacy of these dogs as a viable method to protect livestock from predation threat.

Chicken’s best friend? Livestock guardian dog bonding with free-ranging chickens

“…Although the property we studied only had two LGDs, this is representative of the use of LGDs for guarding poultry (average of 2.39 LGDs per property reported by other poultry owners surveyed). Individual differences in LGD behavior ( Roddick et al, 2022 ) and the unique situations found on each property ( Campbell et al, 2021 ) somewhat limit generalization of this study, although some underlying findings can be informative about the behavior of LGDs around poultry.…”

“…This result suggests a possible disconnect between producer beliefs and expectations towards their LGDs versus the realities of potential distractions and bonding imbalances. Bonding with humans is not desirable because some studies suggest that LGDs do not establish territorial boundaries from which predators are excluded ( Allen et al, 2017 ; Roddick et al, 2022 ; but see van Bommel and Johnson, 2015 ) and therefore the direct presence of the LGD itself is important for protecting livestock. The reality is that LGDs require training ( Rust et al, 2013 ; survey respondents in the present study) and some are likely to need to be restrained to remain with the livestock they are protecting ( van Bommel, 2010 ), although the small size of many poultry production facilities raises the issue of balancing the welfare of the LGDs themselves (providing exercise for mobility and stimulation) as well as that of the livestock.…”

“…There have been few studies of the efficacy of guardian animals in predator deterrence for poultry, including a case study ( van Bommel, 2013 ), two surveys of farmers using LGDs to protect poultry ( Otstavel et al, 2009 ; van Bommel and Johnson, 2012 ), and a manipulative study comparing the influence of fox cues on space used by the dogs ( Roddick et al, 2022 ). Published findings from guarding sheep cannot be generalized to how LGDs are likely to protect poultry flocks.…”

Welfare issues and potential solutions for laying hens in free range and organic production systems: A review based on literature and interviews

“…However, open areas are used less than ranges with trees because of the antipredatory behavior of hens. Therefore, some key informants mentioned that guard animals seem to be a good solution since they have a noticeable effect on preventing wild birds from landing and staying on the range (see 2.3 Risk of predation) (19). Nevertheless, the introduction of guard animals within the flock is forbidden for sanitary reasons by regulations in most European countries as these animals may themselves carry and transmit bacteria or viruses.…”

“…Similarly, the Hennovation project found that Alpacas are also effective guard animals as they are social but territorial (74) and some informants also mentioned donkeys as guard animals. However, the use of guard animals in poultry production is still relatively rare and dogs' behavior toward predators still needs investigation (19). The use of netting is more and more widespread, even if nets above wide range areas are difficult to manage and expensive.…”