Keeping Chickens Free Range

[islandgirl82]

It is very difficult to find a puppy there. I got lucky with my current pup, she never attacked my birds, is good with the cats, and has been very patient with my babies, but I do not count on being so lucky again.

This is true. I've been on the lookout for another westie for quite a while. My last one and my newfie made quite a great pair and I see some from time to time that seem like they'd be a suitable match but inevitably something is off so my search continues.

Best of luck on your search and I hope things with the aussie pup work out for you.

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

So far we have been mostly unaffected by all this here in NE. Yes there are those who get upset with the idea of a barn cat, and I have seen the online people getting worked up over kittens out in the cold but for the most part it has stayed in the cities. My biggest problem seems to be there are a plethora of Rottweiler, German Shepherd, and Husky puppies around here and very few typical farm breeds. And when you do find one they are worth their weight in gold. I am sure you can find a large dog that would be a great farm dog, but I would really rather avoid those breeds. Apparently people around here are very concerned about their own protection

 

[islandgirl82]

The local animal shelter here adopts out barn cats or "barn buddies" as they call them, free of charge to those who know they're not suitable house pets and can provide the basics of food/water and shelter. They do neuter and exam/vaccinate them prior to adopting out knowing full well that the cats may or may not ever be caught again to receive veterinary care.

 

[duluthralphie]

It is very difficult to find a puppy there. I got lucky with my current pup, she never attacked my birds, is good with the cats, and has been very patient with my babies, but I do not count on being so lucky again.

My dogs are fair with cats, I really need one that is good with cats to keep them from sticking around,

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

The local vets here are large animal vets. They will treat my dog or any cats I bring in, but they never push to have them neutered, and if one is sick or injured no one gives me any grief for being unwilling to spend hundreds or even thousands, to treat them.
I did not realize things had gotten so extreme elsewhere.

 

[mackenzie450]

I'm new to this thread and also new to chickens. On top of that I'm new to the area as we just bought our home here in Utah. I have a flock of ten and a good size run, however, I let them out in the morning to free range all day. I've never had an issue with predators (yet) that being said I've noticed many Hawks in the area. I have trained my shepherd to "babysit" the flock. I guess my question is, will my dog actually sway predators from striking? If a circling hawk looks down and notices my 115 pound dog free ranging with the chickens will that be a deterrent? I'm a newbie to all of this but I feel my chickens are happier in the yard. What else can I use as deterrents?

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

It depends on the dog. Beekissed has a dog that will attack Hawks, mine do not even notice their presence. Having alot of "junk" around your yard us e best way to keep them safe from aerial predators. Bushes, trees, machinery, boards lying against walls, anything like that would prevent Hawks from getting a meal. You also need a good watcher, to alert the hens to find cover. A Rooster is your best option, but my Easter Eggers are doing a decent job at the moment...but EEs do not keep a flock together, roosters do.

 

[mackenzie450]

It depends on the dog. Beekissed has a dog that will attack Hawks, mine do not even notice their presence. Having alot of "junk" around your yard us e best way to keep them safe from aerial predators. Bushes, trees, machinery, boards lying against walls, anything like that would prevent Hawks from getting a meal. You also need a good watcher, to alert the hens to find cover. A Rooster is your best option, but my Easter Eggers are doing a decent job at the moment...but EEs do not keep a flock together, roosters do.

Unfortunately my city will not allow me to have a rooster. I don't own a ton of land. But my birds like to hang out all day under the lilac bushes and only come out if I go out to check on things. They are probably pretty safe under there. Thanks for your advice!

 

[OrganicFarmWife]

It depends on the dog. Beekissed has a dog that will attack Hawks, mine do not even notice their presence. Having alot of "junk" around your yard us e best way to keep them safe from aerial predators. Bushes, trees, machinery, boards lying against walls, anything like that would prevent Hawks from getting a meal. You also need a good watcher, to alert the hens to find cover. A Rooster is your best option, but my Easter Eggers are doing a decent job at the moment...but EEs do not keep a flock together, roosters do.

Unfortunately my city will not allow me to have a rooster. I don't own a ton of land. But my birds like to hang out all day under the lilac bushes and only come out if I go out to check on things. They are probably pretty safe under there. Thanks for your advice!

Yes lilac bushes are perfect, mine love them too.

 

[vpatt]

How can i get Wyatt to stop chasing my chickens? What actual training is involved? Sometimes he ignores them and sometimes he likes to run them.