New to this whole thing and need some advice.

[big guy]

I built a coop (4 x 8) lots of light and easy access. I put in a solid floor... is that a problem? I have an access pannel leading to a ramp so the chickens can get below to a small run (4 x 8). My plan is to let the chickens free range as much as possible. My back yard is small (60 x 100) and is fenced with a 4' wire currently. Will I have trouble keeping the chickens in the yard? I have a small Dachshund, she is a sweet dog but I don't think she will want to be friends with the chickens, when the chickens get bigger I will work at training her. We have lots of cats in the area (I hate them) do they present a problem for the chickens? If the 4' fence will keep the chickens in I will fence off a 30' x 50' area that holds my orchard for the chickens to run in.

 

[briteday]

Depending on the chicken breed a 4' fence will not keep them in, or out. However you can clip one wing on each bird which makes it more difficult for them to fly. There is an excellent diagram in the learning section of this forum. Clipping the flight feathers is easy and painless. But I still suggest something that is taller than 4' if you are trying to keep them on your property.

The neighborhood cats don't bother my birds. But I would be worried about diseases that strays could bring in or diseased wild birds that they might be exposing your chickens to. I have one neighborhood cat who does a good job of prowling the perimeter of the coop for mice (the cat cannot get into the coop or the run since we have 6' fencing) and I don't discourage her for now.

I have 3 small dogs (papillons and pomeranian). When my first chickens were big enough I started taking the dogs one at a time, into the coop to do chores with me. The dogs quickly got the hang of not chasing chickens and found out that chickens peck back!

 

[teach1rusl]

I'm not sure why/how a solid floor would be a problem? I think most folks have solid floors.

A four foot fence will MOST LIKELY not keep your chickens in if what's on the other side is more desirable. If your fence is just wire (as opposed to something that has a distinct top edge), you have a better chance. Many people have found that with wire, sometimes chickens can't distinguish where the wire ends. But with types like board fence or chain link with the bar along the top, they can see a "goal" to shoot for to get on, or over. Cats should not be a problem for grown chickens, although bantams may be at risk. Lastly, I would expose your dog to your chicks from the start, even if it's through a baby gate. That way he/she learns that they are part of the family/pack, and there's no sudden jealousy (I've heard weiner dogs are possesive). Good luck!
Bear with Dixie last November...

 

[rriveramri]

am new at this too, but I don’t think a wood floor is a problem. Mine are 6 weeks and I have a wood floor with wood shavings. It is interesting to here that dogs can be trained to co-exist with the chicks. I am too afraid to try. I would like to one day. I have some pics on my profile page of the design I am using. Good Luck

 

[Backyard Hencam]

We have a cement floor in our tiny henhouse. We have problems with predators and wanted to lock the hens in at night and not worry about anything digging in. We clean under the roosts every few days and scatter clean litter. We clean entire coop and replace shavings once a month.

Chickens can fly over a 4' fence. They are especially "flighty" until they are about 6 months old when they get heavy. I wouldn't trust the little escape artists! Best of luck!

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

About the stray cats. I thought they would cause our chickens harm (we have TONS of stray wild cats around our farm) but they ahve only watched with interest is all. I see cats laying in our fields just watching. Never have we hade an attack and it's been two years.