Magpies/crows/jays etc

[timmmy 0]

Well as it states above, my lurcher pup will retrieve most birds pigeons, doves pheso etc and obviously runnable game too but is dubious when it comes 2 picking dead covids up. She will if pushed but does have to think about it, anyone had this problem with their dog?

[Guest davieboy]

i had a problem with feather all together, what i done was i took my dog to a rookery where there was lots of birds on the floor that could not fly properly as they were a moving target my dog would get on to them straight away, i would say this applies even more so for a lurcher.

 

if you dont have an area like this, ask a gamekepper for a call bird or catch one and clip its wings yourself then let it go and set your dog onto it.

 

then start him on freshly shot crows, if he does not pick it up then tie a piece of string to the birds foot and as he gets near it pull the bird away, the movement should be enough for your dog to pick it up, and eventually he will get the hang of it

[timmmy 0]

i had a problem with feather all together, what i done was i took my dog to a rookery where there was lots of birds on the floor that could not fly properly as they were a moving target my dog would get on to them straight away, i would say this applies even more so for a lurcher.

 

if you dont have an area like this, ask a gamekepper for a call bird or catch one and clip its wings yourself then let it go and set your dog onto it.

 

then start him on freshly shot crows, if he does not pick it up then tie a piece of string to the birds foot and as he gets near it pull the bird away, the movement should be enough for your dog to pick it up, and eventually he will get the hang of it

 

 

she will pick live ones up .. give it a shake and spit it back out dead .. other types will be retrieved live

[socks 32,253]

mine has always picked them up ... even as a pup .........

 

 

Edited July 14, 2008 by socks

[Holland 0]

I would always be cautious when sending a dog to pick up these birds.

 

A wounded crow or magpie still has a powerful beak and will go for eyes if given a chance!

I know many dogs which will give a crow a bite before retrieving it but be warned, this could make a young dog hard mouthed on game birds.

 

Also corvids, by their very nature carry some pretty nasty bugs.

 

Just thorght i'd drop that into the mix!!

[Guest davieboy]

i had a problem with feather all together, what i done was i took my dog to a rookery where there was lots of birds on the floor that could not fly properly as they were a moving target my dog would get on to them straight away, i would say this applies even more so for a lurcher.

 

if you dont have an area like this, ask a gamekepper for a call bird or catch one and clip its wings yourself then let it go and set your dog onto it.

 

then start him on freshly shot crows, if he does not pick it up then tie a piece of string to the birds foot and as he gets near it pull the bird away, the movement should be enough for your dog to pick it up, and eventually he will get the hang of it

 

 

she will pick live ones up .. give it a shake and spit it back out dead .. other types will be retrieved live

 

 

in that case mate, get a cold one and just hold it in her mouth giving her lots of praise dont leave it too long as she might get twitchy, then take it out on your usual word of command and give her a treat, repeat this until she will just hold it, then once she will hold it, start to walk backwards so she has to follow you then take it of her and give her a treat and praise ect ect

[druimmuir 1]

I would always be cautious when sending a dog to pick up these birds.

 

A wounded crow or magpie still has a powerful beak and will go for eyes if given a chance!

I know many dogs which will give a crow a bite before retrieving it but be warned, this could make a young dog hard mouthed on game birds.

 

Also corvids, by their very nature carry some pretty nasty bugs.

 

Just thorght i'd drop that into the mix!!

 

A wise word of caution there Holland

 

Nicola

[johnk 0]

i had a lurcher that was the same mate retrieved pheasant grouse moorhen woodpigeon and wouldnt retrieve crows dont know why as it would kill them quick enough,must leave bad taste in dogs mouth i guess