Hello I am new to BYC. I plan to get chickens

[Jessica sapio]

I am looking forward to getting chickens because I love birds. However I feel like it would be just too much to have chickens because I live in area with coyotes and have German shepherd dog. Any advice or encouragement or a warning to not do this would be great. I am trying to gather as much information and knowledge before I bring baby chickens home.

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Jessica Welcome!

Some reading material which may be helpful:

Topic of the Week - Keeping the Flock Safe from Predators
Topic of the Week - Dogs and chickens

These are from the Topic of the Week on which you might find some other useful information. The Learning Centre is another worthwhile spot to visit.

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

You might want to also Find Your State Thread and pop in and say hello.

And, for when your chickens arrive, you might be interested in downloading this free e-book My First Year With Chickens

Best wishes for you and your flock when they arrive!

 

[Lazy Farmer]

 

[CapricornFarm]

Welcome Jessica! You can keep chickens safe from predators and dogs. Do not build using chicken wire. It may keep chickens in but will not keep predators out. Many people use welded wire or hardware cloth.
Lots of great threads here on building coops and raising chickens. You can do it. Enjoy reading, lots of nice folks to chat with as well.

 

[Smuvers Farm]

Glad you're here!

 

[Jessica sapio]

Welcome Jessica! You can keep chickens safe from predators and dogs. Do not build using chicken wire. It may keep chickens in but will not keep predators out. Many people use welded wire or hardware cloth.
Lots of great threads here on building coops and raising chickens. You can do it. Enjoy reading, lots of nice folks to chat with as well.

I just bought chicken wire
You had good advice, ill return it and get something more secure. Then you for the tip.

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi Jessica and a warm welcome to BYC. You have some great links from Teila, which I am sure will be of great help to you.

 

[Allie Grace Sanders]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[007Sean]

Howdy Jessica Happy to have you join the family. Enjoy your time here!

 

[ChocolateMouse]

Welcome, Jessica! Strong fences make good neighbors. Your chickens can live safely alongside everything from hungry bears to ravenous snakes if you build your fences well enough. Hardware cloth, good posts, a roof, no holes, hotwire if you can. Some manage just by accepting losses, making sure doors are secure at night and running a large flock. It's cheaper but MUCH more stressful. Dogs can be trained as well, though that could take years. You can make it work if you want to. Good luck!