Ok, you are probably thinking the neighbors dogs, or even my own dogs are trying to kill my chickens. On the contrary. My own dogs (Golden Retrievers) have been trained (not as pups), to be around my chickens, tolerate my chickens, and have learned to like them. Well, not them so much as the stuff that comes out of their rear ends and their FEED! I can't control the crap, but I am seeking options to control my dogs eating my chicken feed. I have caught them on countless occasions in the coop, munching out of the feeders. It started with eating corn or scratch that I would throw. Then, after I discontinued doing this because I was literally throwing the feed to the dogs, they started going into the coop. First, I tried just shutting the big sliding door. But then I discovered that they actually use the chicken door (and ramp). I never in a million years thought I would have to be concerned about this. I live on several acres and we are way back down a lane from the road, so my dogs are let out, often times unattended. My chickens free-range. The coop is free game when I am not out there. Suggestions? I'm currently using a hanging galvanized feeder. My next thought was to maybe try a hopper and cover the openings with a mesh of some sort. I also use pellets because my birds make less mess with them. I have Buff Brahmas, Australorps, and some bantams. I am open to suggestions!
