So if I find out that I am allowed to have Chickens, next Spring, I will be getting them! But I need to know other things first.
I have 2 acres that will be fully fenced before they get here. Within that space, we have our house, barn and driveway, etc.
I wanted the birds, 6 up to 16 at the most, Bantams, to free range anywhere in the yard. We have 2 indoor cats, so they won't bother the birds, I haven't seen any neighbor cats either. Our two dogs are usually indoors, my Dobie, once properly conditioned to the birds, will rather run off from them then want to eat them. He does the same with our past Rabbits & Guinea Pigs, he doesn't like anything touching him, lol! He does great with our now 2 cats also, as long as they don't want to scratch his face off all of a sudden. Kittens, crazies! Our Chi mix is slightly different. She's gotten used to the cats, but rabbits usually were more 'fun.' Though, part of the fencing is not tight enough and she could squeeze through, so she more than likely be on the trolly when outside.
I'm pretty sure the birds would learn to avoid her area after a few scares.
Would the birds be fine with all that grass to roam in? would they be less likely to jump the fence? The fence is just wire, some have wood posts, but not all. The front yard faces a major road. It goes from 55, 45 to 35MPH. Though it would be an average of 45. We are next to an old historic town.
I really hope they don't jump that fence. behind us is mostly a cow farm, like pretty much the whole area. Next to us is an old Lab and behind them is an old Chow and old Jack Russell. Though I am pretty sure they shouldn't be too much of an issue.
I plan on converting a smaller section of the barn to the chicken coop. I just don't want to make a fenced area near the barn for the chickens. I want them to be all over and hopefully be safe.
Also, since they have that much grass to peck at, what do I feed them, can I feed them less than chickens with a small run?? Do I feed them once in the morning or at night when I lock them up for the night? I was hoping just the once at night. How much do I feed them at night?
Do I need to add grit to their diet or would they find the right tiny rocks for that on the land??
I am in Sperryville, Va and for 20-30 miles around, there are cow farms and mountains. What would my predators be that I should worry about?
What do you guys think??
I have 2 acres that will be fully fenced before they get here. Within that space, we have our house, barn and driveway, etc.
I wanted the birds, 6 up to 16 at the most, Bantams, to free range anywhere in the yard. We have 2 indoor cats, so they won't bother the birds, I haven't seen any neighbor cats either. Our two dogs are usually indoors, my Dobie, once properly conditioned to the birds, will rather run off from them then want to eat them. He does the same with our past Rabbits & Guinea Pigs, he doesn't like anything touching him, lol! He does great with our now 2 cats also, as long as they don't want to scratch his face off all of a sudden. Kittens, crazies! Our Chi mix is slightly different. She's gotten used to the cats, but rabbits usually were more 'fun.' Though, part of the fencing is not tight enough and she could squeeze through, so she more than likely be on the trolly when outside.
I'm pretty sure the birds would learn to avoid her area after a few scares.
Would the birds be fine with all that grass to roam in? would they be less likely to jump the fence? The fence is just wire, some have wood posts, but not all. The front yard faces a major road. It goes from 55, 45 to 35MPH. Though it would be an average of 45. We are next to an old historic town.
I really hope they don't jump that fence. behind us is mostly a cow farm, like pretty much the whole area. Next to us is an old Lab and behind them is an old Chow and old Jack Russell. Though I am pretty sure they shouldn't be too much of an issue.
I plan on converting a smaller section of the barn to the chicken coop. I just don't want to make a fenced area near the barn for the chickens. I want them to be all over and hopefully be safe.
Also, since they have that much grass to peck at, what do I feed them, can I feed them less than chickens with a small run?? Do I feed them once in the morning or at night when I lock them up for the night? I was hoping just the once at night. How much do I feed them at night?
Do I need to add grit to their diet or would they find the right tiny rocks for that on the land??
I am in Sperryville, Va and for 20-30 miles around, there are cow farms and mountains. What would my predators be that I should worry about?
What do you guys think??
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