Hello from Salt Lake City!

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Hello Chicken Enthusiasts!

I'm proud to say that we just introduced our new chickens to our coop last night. We have a total of 5 that we "rescued" from a family who didn't have time to care for them anymore. One Polish, a couple Plymouth Rocks, one Rhode Island Red and a black one that I don't know the breed of. This started out as my husband's idea since we've been beekeepers for a few years now, he decided this was the next step to having a little backyard farm. I have to say, now that they are in my yard, I am getting very interested! Then, today my husband texted me a picture of 3 fresh eggs and boy am I excited!

We also have a Golden Retriever/German Shepherd mix dog who is, so far, very unsure of these new friends. Any tips/success stories on introducing your dog to the chickens? So far she has gone through a wide range of emotions: charging the coop and barking, sniffing it with a friendly wagging tail, and all together ignoring them. Any thoughts are appreciated!

Nikki
 
On the dog issue, I should also add that she is quite trainable and responds very well. In fact, while the chickens were free ranging this morning, she took off after them and we yelled NO! and she turned around, mid-chase and backed off. I suppose this is a good sign? She also tends to be very skittish and a 'fraidy cat so we are hoping that we can use that fear to keep her away from them...?
 
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Great that you found it in your heart to rescue chickens! I am sure they will bring you years of pleasure. Give them time to adjust to their new home before you expect too much from them.

Yes, dogs and chickens usually don't mix. Here is a thread that discusses training dogs to behave around chickens. I have no read thru this entire thread, so if this one isn't thorough enough, there are other threads to read...

https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/829562/training-teaching-a-dog-about-chickens

Good luck with your new adventures and welcome to BYC!
 
Welcome to BYC. Does she know the 'leave it' command. Better for her to know they are off limits than to be fearful of them. Your hens may stop laying for a bit because of the stress of adapting to their new home. Initial eggs laid were those that were all ready 'in process'. Enjoy your flock and good luck with them.
 

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