Noob in Vacaville, CA Ready to Keep Chickens!

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TrojanPhil

TrojanPhil

In the Brooder
May 8, 2018
6
31
24
Vacaville, CA
My wife has had chickens before and keeps telling me "how easy" it and and how they are "no trouble at all" and I am not convinced as yet, but I am open.

I like the idea or the little cluckers in the yard eating bugs and making eggs. Need to see how our dog will react to them. I THINK it would be easier getting chicks, and let them watch them grow and get to know them along the way. Anyone have experience with bringing chickens into a house with dogs? The only thing they really try and chase are squirrels. No game drive to speak of.

My other concern is who do we get to 'chicken sit' while we are away? We travel for weekends a few times a year, maybe a week once a year, and getting someone to feed our dogs is easy. Getting someone to feed & water the chickens and collect eggs is a whole other thing. How to you handle this?

Lastly, if there is anyone out there in my general area (Solano County, Northern California) I would love to have an egg buddy to talk with about the realities, etc.

Thank you all in advance for the amount of help and knowledge I plan on sucking out of you!!

Phil
 
Hi Phil :welcome
As Chickengirl said, get yourself a large feeder and drinker and roll out nest boxes (so the chickens can’t eat, sit on or dirty the eggs) and you’ll find you’ll be ok to go away for a weekend. If you go away for a week, in my experience too, neighbors are happy to pop in a few times especially if they get to keep the fresh eggs! Good luck with your chicken adventures!
 
Looking at coops to build, and am thinking of 'free ranging' in the backyard. we have a lot of trees and roses and bushes for cover from hawks, etc., and since we have dogs the only thing that comes into our yard is the occasional squirrel.

Do I need an enclosed run attached to the coop, or will they be fine in the yard?
 
G'Day from down under Phil :frow Welcome!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

BYC has Topic of the Week discussions which I have found to be a great resource, informative and sometimes entertaining; so definitely worth checking out. This one may be of particular interest:
Topic of the Week - Dogs and chickens

If you would like to share Pictures and Stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out ;)

Including your general location on your profile will assist others. Location, climate, season etc can be important factors when members are responding to any questions you may have and vice versa.
 
TrojanPhil said:
Looking at coops to build, and am thinking of 'free ranging' in the backyard. we have a lot of trees and roses and bushes for cover from hawks, etc., and since we have dogs the only thing that comes into our yard is the occasional squirrel.

Do I need an enclosed run attached to the coop, or will they be fine in the yard?
Click to expand...
Love the Super Chicken avatar!
 
:welcome:celebrate

Glad you're here !

A must have for your poultry is a FIRST AID KIT for any issues that would arise. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/suggestions-for-a-first-aid-kit.1150128/) and (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...essential-supplies-and-how-to-use-them.64830/)
It's definitely better to have it and not need it rather than need it and not have it.

Also, make sure your coop(s) have a proper amount of VENTILATION. (https://www.backyardchickens.com/ar...-there-and-cut-more-holes-in-your-coop.47774/) Your chickens will absolutely thank you for it!

One last thing, if you're into gardening, feel free to join this years SEED SWAP (https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/seed-swap.1220129/)
 

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