StrawHatHolly
Chirping
- Apr 30, 2021
- 30
- 44
- 54
I need help choosing a LGD. I live on about 5 acres and have neighbors close by. I have a flock of 16 birds who free range during the day. I’ve had no problems with them at night when they are sleeping in their coop/run. It’s very predator proofed. Recently something was snatching them as the were foraging near their coop at dusk before heading up. I stopped free ranging them for a week and when I restarted I was going outside with them at the end of the day to keep an eye on them and encourage them to head to bed early and it’s been fine. Today something killed my best, “street smart” hen during the middle of the day right next to my house inside of my fenced in yard that there was only one small gate open too. We have coyotes and (massive) raccoons around my house, and occasional smaller hawks that we’ve never had problems with. The traps we’ve set around haven’t been able to catch anything, and will probably be getting bigger traps soon. It seems like my girls are really only in danger during the day so I’m thinking a LGD is my best bet. I just want something that will be with my girls when I can’t be and protect them. I was looking at an anatolian shepherd/pyrenees mix, but I’ve been reading they roam a lot and I’d like something that will stay around my house because the perimeter of my property is not fenced in. I’ve read a bunch of people praising collies for their work with chickens. I’m really worried 5 acres won’t be enough to entertain any LGD. Does anyone know what breed might be best for my situation?