New Member

[Horsefeather Farm]

I am new to BYC, but not to poultry keeping. I have raised chickens for over 25 years but took a sabbatical after the loss of my flock to a very determined weasel. I will need to build a new chicken coop with better predator protection, but for right now my 15 birds live in a solid brooder coop. I look forward to seeing coop building ideas here.
Three horses, a couple beef steers and a dog share life on this farm. I garden, keep bees, sew, train my golden retriever, ski and bake bread for fun. My golden retriever has more of a hunting dog mentality, so teaching him that chickens are friends and not food will be a challenge. I really need a protective rooster or a broody hen to teach him a lesson.
My new coop will be closer to the house so I can enjoy them more. For someone who doesn't eat eggs it might seem strange to keep chickens, but I enjoy handling them and watching them.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. A rooster, or even a broody hen, would not be a match for a dog. Good luck with your new flock!

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

I eat eggs a couple of times a year, so I'm with you there.

Here's our coop forum full of coops our members built. Some have runs included, some have step-by-step instructions and materials lists.

As for your dog, here's a dog training article I found that a BYC member wrote. I think @N F C knows of a different one but this looked good too.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...using-an-electric-collar-in-a-fair-way.79074/

 

[Burnt Brass Homestead]

Hi @Horsefeather Farm

Sorry to hear about your loss. Good luck with your new flock.

Welcome!

 

[CrazyForMyPeeps802]

Hello and welcome to BYC we're happy to have you here in this poultry loving community!

 

[CurlyChickenGirly]

Welcome to BYC! Sorry about your flock.

 

[chrissynemetz]

Hello, and welcome to BYC! It's very nice to meet you!

 

[N F C]

Hi, sorry for your previous losses. @Debbie292d has provided links to good information. Here's another article about training dogs (it's geared mostly toward pups but you might still get some good ideas from it): https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-to-be-trustworthy-around-your-poultry.78407/

Best wishes!

 

[ksbkeys]

I am new to BYC, but not to poultry keeping. I have raised chickens for over 25 years but took a sabbatical after the loss of my flock to a very determined weasel. I will need to build a new chicken coop with better predator protection, but for right now my 15 birds live in a solid brooder coop. I look forward to seeing coop building ideas here.
Three horses, a couple beef steers and a dog share life on this farm. I garden, keep bees, sew, train my golden retriever, ski and bake bread for fun. My golden retriever has more of a hunting dog mentality, so teaching him that chickens are friends and not food will be a challenge. I really need a protective rooster or a broody hen to teach him a lesson.
My new coop will be closer to the house so I can enjoy them more. For someone who doesn't eat eggs it might seem strange to keep chickens, but I enjoy handling them and watching them.

Welcome to BYC! I haven't had any retrievers...I hope your dog will learn chickens are a part of the household and thus are fellow family members! (I have had herding dogs and I just introduce them to chicks by holding and petting each chick, etc.)

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.