New to owning chickens ~ Shepherdsville Ky

[Katcynth]

Hello!

I just recently bought 6 Rhode Island Red pullets March 8th. Have never owned a chick before so it's been interesting! Right now I have them in a large dog crate in the living room until we get a coop built and their feathers come in which they are doing right now! Yikes! I went ahead and got them because I knew my hubby would never build the coop if I didn't give him proper motivation I'm still waiting......

I've been taking pics regularly and posting on my facebook page.. it's amazing how fast they are growing!!! I had to clean one and so now she's very happy to sit on my hand and runs to me. The others are getting better.

My only concern is my one dog is being very aggressive trying to get them so I'm a little worried about her my other dog is completely fine with them... Once the birds are bigger I think they will be able to "scare" the two cats where they will leave them alone....

I'm so excited and so far all six seem very healthy! They LOVE to dust in diatomacious earth!

Here are my pics if you are on facebook....

http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10152255238706002.1073741825.743196001&type=1&notif_t=like

 

[drumstick diva]

It's funny but, dogs are more likely to pick up bad habits from another than the good ones. I would keep a keen eye on your aggressive canine. Where there is a will, there is a way to massacre chickens. Dogs are near the top of the list for chicken predation.

 

[thasista]

Hi from Hancock Co, KY!

 

[redsoxs]

Howdy from Kansas, Katcynth, and

! Pleased you joined our community! Best luck with your dog and your chickens!!

 

[Mr MKK FARMS]

Welcome to BYC!!!

Glad you joined us!!

 

[Katcynth]

She used to do the same thing to my cats... I'm hoping as with them she will get used to them but I'm on her and the good pup actually comes between her and the chicks so it will be interesting to see if he helps me some. Right now they are little and move quickly which I think is the attraction. I'm planning on making their own space and then when I'm there letting them wander the whole yard. Thanks for the concern and information!

 

[liz9910]

When you build your coop/run make sure to use hardware cloth (very strong mesh wire) not chicken wire, dogs/predators can go right through chicken wire. Check out the coop forum for some ideas: https://www.backyardchickens.com/atype/2/Coops good luck to you.

 

[Katcynth]

Well, I have gotten her broke of trying to eat them... but now her herding instinct has kicked in and she won't let them separate... Better than prey instinct and I'm hoping this will calm down too but I'm feeling much better about her with the chicks... She's actually better when they are around her head than the pup that was ok with them from the beginning.