Moon Valley area of Phoenix

[hbode]

Hi,
I am a new chicken owner and I have four girls that I got at 2 days old. I may be the first chicken owner in this area. The girls, Blanche, Sophia, Rose and Dorothy are all different breeds and love being outside in their coop. They are almost 6 weeks old and used to my two heeler dogs. Their run just got finished but I worry about racoons,owls, hawks and my entire yard surrounded by oleanders. How much range time do the need? Will they peck the leaves? Thanks for any help!

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

Hi

Glad you could join the flock! Sounds like your girls are really enjoying things there. Is your run covered? That would be the best way to keep predators out and your girls safe. Hard wear cloth too rather than chicken wire helps to keep predators out. If you are really worried about predators I would only free range when you can supervise them.

Wishing you the very best of luck with them in the future. Be sure to ask all the questions you need to, everyone here to help and very friendly.

Enjoy BYC and all the chicken chat

 

[GitaBooks]

Welcome to BYC!

I've heard people say you shouldn't let chickens near oleander and others say their chickens scratch around and rest under the bushes without a problem. Different chickens act differently, so its really your own personal choice.

Hope this helps. Best of luck!

 

[drumstick diva]

Welcome to Backyard chickens. Won't your heelers drive off predators? I know someone who had a red heeler and she would drive hawks away (jumping in the air at them) and keeping squirrels up in the trees.

 

[BantamFan4Life]

Welcome to BYC! I'm glad you joined us!

 

[hbode]

Thanks everyone! The girls are doing great and they have been laying an egg a day. They think I am the big rooster...they always squat when I come in their run. They mob me when I come in and won't even eat treats until I leave. They sometimes fly out of the run and hang with the dogs. Add the cat, who totally ignores the girls and is feasting on the new rat population, and its just one big happy family!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - everyone getting along fine seems idyllic!

All the best

CT