Hello from Spring Creek Nevada

springcreekchic · Feb 4, 2014

Hello from Spring Creek, Nevada.

We are at 6000 feet on the side of a mountain range that is absolutely stunning. We get lots of snow and are cold most of the time.

I have had two flocks over the past ten years. I am waiting for the arrival of my third flock. I lost most of my first flock to a neighbors dog, which was very heartbreaking. The second flock was attacked and killed by my Siberian Husky. We decided to wait several years before trying to establish another flock. I guess this is the year.

We are awaiting 26 chickens from Murray Mcmurray Hatchery, which is where we ordered our first two flocks from.

This year, we ordered Barred Rocks, Speckled Sussex, Buff Orpingtons, and Silver Laced Wynadottes. In previous flocks, we had many different breeds. Our favorites turned out to be Barred Rocks and Aracaunas. Our Labrador Retriever became great friends with our last Aracauna. She died mid-winter after roaming into the Siberian's dog run one very early morning. We were free ranging the flocks back then. Her death ended our flock for awhile. This time around, we have a fenced in, secure area to keep the birds. Third times the charm?

fosterson · Feb 4, 2014

and welcome back to the chicken keeping world! Sounds like you put some thought into what you wanted this time around.

A fence is always a good idea...if not for your canines, a neighbor's bad dog might decide to give you a bad day. I'm pretty sure there's a Nevada thread around here somewhere so you can talk to like minded folk in your area, and I know the Northern California one is pretty busy. Happy to have you aboard!

drumstick diva · Feb 4, 2014

First, I think you should put a good cover on the Husky's run so he doesn't get any more delivered lunches, Secondly make sure you neighbors know what their dogs have been up too, and let them know if anymore kill your birds they will NOT be coming home again.

If you don't want to keep replacing dead birds, you could make a secure fenced run area for them with some type of top ( to keep out climbers, jumpers and hawks) - and a few strands of electrified wire to get your point across when predators come calling. Everything loves chicken, and once they find easy lunches they come back again and again till the there aren't any more.

hensonthefarm · Feb 4, 2014

Welcome I'm in Reno and losting birds to dogs is very hard. But third time is the charm. Good luck!

texgardengal · Feb 4, 2014

First, I think you should put a good cover on the Husky's run so he doesn't get any more delivered lunches, Secondly make sure you neighbors know what their dogs have been up too, and let them know if anymore kill your birds they will NOT be coming home again.

If you don't want to keep replacing dead birds, you could make a secure fenced run area for them with some type of top ( to keep out climbers, jumpers and hawks) - and a few strands of electrified wire to get your point across when predators come calling. Everything loves chicken, and once they find easy lunches they come back again and again till the there aren't any more.
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Welcome and good luck!!

Marthab1953 · Feb 5, 2014

Welcome to BYC!

Wyandottes7 · Feb 5, 2014

Welcome to BYC! We're glad to have you.

TwoCrows · Feb 5, 2014

Dogs and chickens are never a good mix. So I would do your best to keep the separate. But I am sorry for your losses. It is never easy to lose them to accidents.

But it is great to have you aboard and enjoy your new flock!!

roostersandhens · Feb 5, 2014

Kelsie2290 · Feb 5, 2014

Hello and Welcome To BYC! Good luck with your new flock. You might want to check out the Predators forum for suggestions on how to fortify your pen. Electric fence like drumstick diva suggested is really nice for discouraging dogs.

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Hello from Spring Creek Nevada

springcreekchic In the Brooder

fosterson Songster

drumstick diva Still crazy after all these years. Premium Member

hensonthefarm In the Brooder

texgardengal Chirping

Marthab1953 Songster

Wyandottes7 Crowing

TwoCrows Show me the way old friend Staff Member

roostersandhens Flap Your Wings!

Kelsie2290 Free Ranging Premium Member

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