New member from Connecticut

[bk]

Hi, I am new to this site and have found a great deal of helpful information here. I have never had chickens before and the wife is picking out first bunch of 10 up tomorrow. She really wants to give it a try but I have many reservations about the whole idea. We live in Connecticut and taking care of them in the winter is not going to be fun. Also we have 3 bird dogs, 2 Brittany's and a lab so getting them to have birds around in the yard I think is a little crazy. But I think they can be trained. Then there is the predator concern. Between the foxes, raccoons, coyotes and the nesting Red Tailed Hawks we have around I think will create a challenge just trying to keep the chickens them from being eaten. This is going to be interesting at least!

 

[schellie69]

from Kansas. It does seem a little overwhelming at first but it gets easier. I would make sure to keep the chicks in a secure location where the dogs are no allowed to be at all. Work with each dog one at a time. I have 5 that can be trusted around my chickens and 1 that we are working with. I keep my chicken locked up when dog is out and keep dog locked up when chickens are out. Good luck you will find many answers to your questions. I use the search button in the blue bar a lot just type in question and you will find a bunch of post that will be helpful. Good luck and enjoy your new hobby.

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.

 

[Attack Chicken]

from Indiana!

 

[mississippifarmboy]

from Mississippi

 

[4-H chicken mom]

and

from Ohio. So glad you joined. I have weims and I had to train them to leave the birds alone when they are free ranging. They do well until a chicken panics and starts running/flying away, then my young dog will go after it. But, she only pins it to the ground like she thinks she is helping me to catch the chicken.

 

[new chick 203]

. We're in CT too and all your concerns are valid, but it's all worth it in my opinion. Make sure you don't place your coop so far you can't get to it in winter. If you can make a covered run you won't be sorry, we didn't and I shoveled allot this winter. You'll be fine. this is the best time to get them.

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama.

 

[b.hromada]

and

from S. Florida! Glad you joined us!

 

[chickflick247]

from CA