New to chicken raising

[RCinNM]

Hi Everyone!

My wife and I bought a small chicken coop from Tractor Supply thinking we’re only going to have 8 chickens or so. We kept adding to our flock, so I purchased a large coop that was advertised locally. At this time, we have 7 hens and 16 chicks. We have: Rhode Island Red, Light Brahma, Jersey Giant, Buff Orpington, white Leghorn, Java, Americauna, black and gold laced Wyandotte, Cornish Rock, Barred Rock, Crested Polish, Dominique and others. We have a Red Heeler mix and two cats. All our animals are female. The dog and one of the cats love watching the chickens and will round them up when I want them back in their yard. My dog will deny this, but I’ve seen her sleeping behind the coop (in the shade) with a R.I. red snuggled up to her sleeping. My cats do not bother them.

 

[ValerieJ]

Hi! Welcome to BYC! Sounds like a great little chicken farm! Love the dog sleeping with the RIR!!!

 

[slordaz]

I still keep an eye on mine, but sounds like your dog will be guarding them for ya. My chickens use my 3 labs ,which are usually bird dogs but they are were given task of protecting them when I started and main dog is a lab/Australian shepherd so took more after working dog class and is the boss so just kept reinforcing they are to be protected and he makes the other 2 behave, taking a nap out in the yard as perches lol

 

[Perris]

hello @RCinNM ! welcome to BYC
How sweet - can't wait to see a photo of your dog and chicken cuddling

 

[slordaz]

They don't cuddle, they take a nap and chickens think they are for perching and pecking on lol, but the dogs are pretty tolerant been together with the flock for 3 years as they come and go from coop at will. I should not type after coffee has worn off lol

 

[RCinNM]

I’ll post pics of the coop once it’s complete. Currently working on predator proofing around the run. Next will be adding a ceiling to keep the hawks, falcons and bald eagles out.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hello and welcome to BYC. I hope that you enjoy your time here.

This is a useful link to take a look at - “How to...” guides. You may wish to consider including your location under your avatar (using the guide in the link above). You can use this link to contact members in your area - U.S. States

Best wishes

Pork Pie

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.
It's love to see a picture of your dog sleeping with the RIR.

 

[fldiver97]

Welcome Nice to have you here! Your dog’s secret is safe with us