Yes she has been around them when they are loose, and it does seem that at times she is herding them back to the barn when they get to far from it. But then there are times I have seen her snap at them. I don't know if she is trying to catch them or if that is part of her herding them.
In truth I think she would kill them. But I think (and this is where Mack says I am being naive) that at first it would be accidental. But once she did it, then I'm afraid it wouldn't be. I don't want to take the chance. Jack Russells after all are hunting dogs. She would be following instint.
But when I hatched the very first batch. She laid in front of the dog crate for weeks watching them. And when I gave them away to a friend she followed the crate all the way to her truck and I had to hold her to keep her from following. I swear I think she thought they were hers and she did not like them being taken away. After that batch I only let her lay and watch them a little bit each day. Kept them locked in a back bedroom. I didn't want her to be sad...LOL... for her babies.
Becky
Poor confused momma, sounds like.
An ex of mine's ~mother~ had Airdale terriers that were very protective of their chickens, who hatched and mothered their own chicks loose in the yard.... So you never know.