SusanD
Chirping
Hi,
My parents and I moved our chicken coop to the side of our house today. I think they're thinking of building a gate, having the chickens stay there, and maybe letting them out to free range in the yard when we're home. I had several questions.
The first one has to do with bark mulch - can it irritate their skin or eyes, they way it can people? I noticed that I felt a little itchy after picking up one of the chickens that had been taking a dust bath in the run.
Are they old enough that stray cats should leave them alone (we got them in February)? I think those are the main daytime predator that we have to worry about. I'd feel better if my Dad would hire someone to help us build something covered like an aviary/covered run, but I'm not sure that's going to happen for a while, if at all.
The side of the house used to be a dog run (over 10 years ago, and the bark mulch is new). Do I need to be watchful for any diseases that might be spread from dogs to chickens?
Thanks for your help. I'm really wishing I'd encouraged my parents to do their homework before we got the chickens, and I'm hoping I can help keep them healthy (after 2 1/2 months, I am somewhat attached to them).
Susan
My parents and I moved our chicken coop to the side of our house today. I think they're thinking of building a gate, having the chickens stay there, and maybe letting them out to free range in the yard when we're home. I had several questions.
The first one has to do with bark mulch - can it irritate their skin or eyes, they way it can people? I noticed that I felt a little itchy after picking up one of the chickens that had been taking a dust bath in the run.
Are they old enough that stray cats should leave them alone (we got them in February)? I think those are the main daytime predator that we have to worry about. I'd feel better if my Dad would hire someone to help us build something covered like an aviary/covered run, but I'm not sure that's going to happen for a while, if at all.
The side of the house used to be a dog run (over 10 years ago, and the bark mulch is new). Do I need to be watchful for any diseases that might be spread from dogs to chickens?
Thanks for your help. I'm really wishing I'd encouraged my parents to do their homework before we got the chickens, and I'm hoping I can help keep them healthy (after 2 1/2 months, I am somewhat attached to them).
Susan