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.
Hi and 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.
Hello and Welcome from Los Angeles! If you have experience building things then a coop should be fairly easy. Look through the coop section of the site. There are lots of great pictures and it can help you get a sense of what will work in your space. I would build for more birds than you think -- everyone always ends up with a few more. It takes a little time and patience but with some training and consistency it is possible to have a dog that gets along with your birds. That is my rescue pit-mix below. Good luck!!! Have fun!
Hello and welcome from Ohio...so glad you joined BYC. You may be surprised and your dog will get along fine with the chickens if trained properly. There is tons of info on her ref keeping dogs and chickens together. I hope you get it worked out and get your new chickens soon. Best of luck to you
Hi from KY! Its good your dog is young. You will likely be able to train it to be nice to chickens!! Good Luck!
Greetings from Kansas, anak, and ! Happy you joined our community! Sounds like others have already given you some great advice so I'll just say welcome aboard and best wishes!!
