Dog fur

[BlueMoon]

I'm in upstate NY and it gets cold here.

I have three dogs, and a cat, all whom shed continuously well.

Has anyone lined egg nests with dog fur? It's soft and warm.
Any other suggestions or guidance about using the fur in the coop? They only get groomed by me, so no chemicals or groomer fumes.

 

[Tuffoldhen]

I'd be afraid the hens would peck and eat it...not good for the crops....might make them have impacted crops at that...

 

[speckledhen]

I agree with Tuff. That'd be my concern. I see how they peck at my own hair, so I bet they'd ingest some of the dog hair.

 

[foxtrapper]

I've seen fur used by avians to line nests quite routinely, particularly in the wild.

 

[horsewishr]

It's true that wild birds use fur shed from other animals. But it's also true that they don't necessarily have limitless other options. Personally, I don't believe the fur would add any warmth to the nest if appropriate materials (like straw or hay) were already in use. And I'd shy away from fur becuase I'm sure it would stick to a freshy laid (think wet) egg.

 

[speckledhen]

oh, yeah! Who'd want to pick dog hair off an egg?

 

[BlueMoon]

Depends if the egg is cooked.

This is a house where dog fur is considered a condiment.


Fur in nesting boxes is going well so far. I added in rose geranium leaves too - hoping for a more natural remedy to lice and mites than Sevin

 

[LindaN]

What a great idea to add the rose geranium! I hear pennyroyal is a great herb to deter fleas for dogs and cats. Wonder if it could be used in nests for hens?

 

[picklespickles]

i visited a store once where they spun it into clothes.

 

[BlueMoon]

I think Pennyroyal (and rue) are both abortives. I'd be hesitant about keeping egg layers around either.

Rose geranium (and I think many scented geraniums) can be used to ward off ticks. The plants I brought in for winter are shedding, so I just tossed in those leaves. However, the hens seem to stay away from those nesting boxes! They are getting used to the dog fur though.

I wonder if the scent of dog inside the coop will ward off predators?