I have the opposite problem. My dogs are terrified of my chickens. I have to supervise the CHICKENS when my dogs go outside. My little dachshund has been pecked several times and now she won't go out if she even suspects there is a chicken in the backyard. Funny, but not exactly.
Janis
Congratulations! My Lavender Orpingtons were older than 35 weeks before I got that first egg. If I go by what the person I got them from told me, they were around 10 - 11 months when they finally started laying in November. They lay almost every day now, always in the nest and the eggs are...
There were some extenuating circumstances. I got these hens in early September and they needed a little while to settle into their new surroundings. But, their waddles and combs just turned really red within the last couple of weeks or so. Plus, who knows, the woman I got them from could have...
These are my ladies. This pic is probably from a month ago. I hope they understand that now that I've seen an egg in the nest, I expect to see them regularly.
Hi tj74roberts!
Have you posted pics of your girls? I'd love to see what a chocolate Orp looks like. I'm thinking that in the spring, if I can get my husband's buy in, I'll enlarge my coop and get a couple of black Orps.
@KernH has already given me some useful info. I can see why you are...
My girls are truly urban chickens. I don't have any real predators to worry about, plus I have guard dachshunds! They think their new job is to protect the hens. It's very cute to watch. How did I ever get along with chickens????
Janis
They are the only two I have right now. I'm such a rookie and I didn't want to take on too much until I have more experience. I feel so bad for them because they are so hot. I bought them a new box fan today and iced down both of their waterers. They HATE the mister so I guess I'll use that...
I got a pair of Lavender Orpingtons a couple of weeks ago and they are still settling in to their new digs. They were supposedly hatched in January and have never laid an egg. Not for the lady that owned them before me, and definitely not for me. I know it will take time for them to settle in...
Chicken swing? Pictures please. I need to see a chicken swing. I think my chickens would be afraid of getting on a swing. Perhaps I'm underestimating them.
Janis
Thanks everyone for the warm welcomes. I let the ladies out to free range yesterday and all went well. I'll be doing a lot more of this. They follow me around like puppies.
Janis