I have the opportunity to adopt a beautiful, well behaved, low prey-drive dog who has been fostered by a family member and I've gotten to know quite well. However, I'm having such strange, conflicting feelings about it because of my chickens. I love my chickens so much and don't want to take attention or money away from them. I've been trialing the dog for a week and it's been going well, I do appreciate having indoor company that likes to cuddle. At this point, I love the chickens way more than the dog (don't have a bond yet with the dog). I was actually thinking of taking a break from keeping chickens for a while once my current flock passes on because it's been tiring taking care of everyone, worrying about them and not having full freedom. But now that I'm considering getting a dog, adding that new responsibility... I'm thinking about how many more chickens I could keep with the time/money instead! I'm just curious, can anyone relate to these feelings or this experience? Do you successfully manage both dogs/chickens and bond with them both? I really like this dog and I think he will fit in the family but I'm feeling anxious that I'll regret it/won't find it rewarding or not bond with him since I'm a fully fledged "bird person" now (pun intended?).
For some background: If you asked me 10 years ago what my favorite animal was, I would say "dog" and I would label myself a "dog person". I grew up with dogs and worked for a dog rescue for several years. The last dog I personally owned was 15 years ago. I was devastated when she died and grieved a long time. I always loved farm animals and decided to care for chickens instead of getting another dog. I thought chickens would be easier, less expensive and less stressful. I quickly realized that wasn't the case and I've spent a lot of time and money on my flock the last 10 years, giving them the best of everything... fancy coop, treats, vet care. Despite the time/money/stress, I find it so rewarding caring for them. I enjoy just watching them for hours in the summer or hanging out with them when I read a book. Chickens/birds are now my favourite animals and I love visiting other people's chickens too. The last couple years I was starting to not like dogs very much (in a general sense) because of issues with neighbours. So many irresponsible dog owners were letting their dogs run loose in the neighbourhood. I had a few close calls for dog attacks.
For some background: If you asked me 10 years ago what my favorite animal was, I would say "dog" and I would label myself a "dog person". I grew up with dogs and worked for a dog rescue for several years. The last dog I personally owned was 15 years ago. I was devastated when she died and grieved a long time. I always loved farm animals and decided to care for chickens instead of getting another dog. I thought chickens would be easier, less expensive and less stressful. I quickly realized that wasn't the case and I've spent a lot of time and money on my flock the last 10 years, giving them the best of everything... fancy coop, treats, vet care. Despite the time/money/stress, I find it so rewarding caring for them. I enjoy just watching them for hours in the summer or hanging out with them when I read a book. Chickens/birds are now my favourite animals and I love visiting other people's chickens too. The last couple years I was starting to not like dogs very much (in a general sense) because of issues with neighbours. So many irresponsible dog owners were letting their dogs run loose in the neighbourhood. I had a few close calls for dog attacks.