I Got My Chickens Yesterday. When Do I Let Them Roam Around?

[FarmerBrownslilchicken]

Yesterday, i went to a chicken farmer who makes coops and boght a small coop with 2 roosting boxes and 6 chickens. He also said it was okay to have only 2 roosting boxes for 6 hens. They are all sort of young and dont use their roosting boxes. The guy that sold me the chicken items said to leave the chickens in the coop for 2 weeks before letting them out. I just wanted to verify that with professinals.And also i have a German shepard dog thats really old but still likes to chase things and is very curious and im afraid to let them out At the same time during the day when im at work. We used to have a kitten and it loved rocky but, im not very certain about chickens.what do i do?

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

I agree with the farmer that you should keep them in the coop for 1-2 weeks before letting them out. They need to become comfortable and happy and KNOW that home is a safe place. Since they are young, they probably won't use the nesting boxes. I agree that 2 boxes are enough for 6 hens.

As far as your dog and cat...I would definitely keep the dog on a leash when you let them out. Typically most dogs will chase them and hurt them, unfortunately.

 

[FarmerBrownslilchicken]

Well ive held one and Rocky has smelled it. and he has been clawing a little at the coop, perking his ears up, and licking his lips, and for that I put bricks aroun the bottom outside of the coop so he wont dig holes. The chicken however are'nt bothered at all by him at all.
Thank You for the opinion.

 

[cmom]

I agree with the other post. Do you have any pictures? How old are the birds? I would keep them in the coop for at least a week so that they get used to their new home. When you open the pop door to let them out they will come out when they are ready. It takes time for the birds to adjust to new things but shortly it will become routine for them. Also I would keep the dog tied when they are out and the cat.

 

[Omran]

I just want to say

 

[FarmerBrownslilchicken]

Well i can't leave Rocky inside when im not home cuz he will poop in the house.And I am NOT tying him up were he cannot get water or go to the bathroom.I have started to scold him when he claws. I spray him with a water sprayer to scold because he dosent really like water.Like a cat. And my cat Fluffy was an outdoor cat and we dont see her anymore.and once i find my camera i will put up pictures.

 

[Judy]

Many people find that their dog will kill chickens but the cat ignores them. Usually, a chicken will peck one tht gets too close, and after that the cat stays away. Some have dogs they can let run with the chickens. I have 4 dogs and 2 cats who all mingle with the chickens. Just depends on the animal, and whether it can be trained to leave them alone.

 

[Judy]

Not sure what you mean by a roost box. Usually coops have a roost (flat side of a 2x4) and a nest box for laying eggs. If they sleep in nest boxes, you will have poopy eggs!

2 nest boxes are plenty for 6 birds; they will probably only use one.

 

[Kezzie]

If you are not going to keep your chickens in an enclosed run during the day when you're not home, your dog won't be your only problem. There are lots of other predators who enjoy a good chicken dinner, including foxes, possums, raccoons and neighbor dogs.

You will have to decide for yourself if you are willing to take that risk of coming home and finding chickens missing- or worse. Having said that, lots of people here on the boards free range their chickens.