I have been wanting to raise chickens for years, but local laws essentially prohibited it. A few months ago I found out that the laws had been changed. Raising chickens got put back on the list of things to get around to, but there was (and still is) plenty more on that list too. Priority just got bumped up. A friend of a friend recently ordered some chicks and has a better survival rate than they planned for. Three of them need a new home.
Now I am scrambling for information to build a proper coop. Security for the chickens is my biggest challenge. I was tempted to scratch the idea entirely on account of my biggest threat: the 90 lb, 1 1/2 year old German Shepherd. At this point he is still a puppy. Just a very big puppy. On the other hand, I know folks keep chickens in rural areas where there are equally substantial threats. To a certain extent I have the advantage of knowing exactly what my threat looks like and what his strengths and limitations are.
Am I nuts?
If it helps any, I am well versed, professionally, in building things. I have no doubt I can keep the dog out. My worry is the chickens will be too nervous to lay eggs. I am planning on a fence to keep the dog from being able to reach the fence for the chickens and at least one of those fences as a visual barrier.
I have a whole lot of reading to cram in. Any pointers in specific directions are appreciated.
Thank you.
Now I am scrambling for information to build a proper coop. Security for the chickens is my biggest challenge. I was tempted to scratch the idea entirely on account of my biggest threat: the 90 lb, 1 1/2 year old German Shepherd. At this point he is still a puppy. Just a very big puppy. On the other hand, I know folks keep chickens in rural areas where there are equally substantial threats. To a certain extent I have the advantage of knowing exactly what my threat looks like and what his strengths and limitations are.
Am I nuts?
If it helps any, I am well versed, professionally, in building things. I have no doubt I can keep the dog out. My worry is the chickens will be too nervous to lay eggs. I am planning on a fence to keep the dog from being able to reach the fence for the chickens and at least one of those fences as a visual barrier.
I have a whole lot of reading to cram in. Any pointers in specific directions are appreciated.
Thank you.
from Ohio. So glad to have you aboard. If you're nut, then god help the rest of us. 
I have wiemaraners and they taught not to hurt the chicken. They still like to chase them once in awhile. Good luck. 
