post your chicken coop pictures here!

[PrimroseMom1]

I love the descriptions of the Amercaunas. I have two and they are just that way. They stick together and the yard is big enough to get away from the others. They like to coop together at night separate from the others which I am letting them do bec they are molting and more skittish than ever. One is better than the other. One is so bad that I nicknamed her Squeeker. If I pick her up you would think I scalded her. They are so interesting and lay beautiful blue eggs everyday (except while molting), but I don't think I'd get more bec they are so freaky.

 

[islandgirl82]

How interesting about your hens, cockerels, and dog. I LUV Newfies! I won't have a breed with long fur though because of our hot climate. I've had Pomeranian, Border Collie, Old Boston Bulldogge (Boston Terriers were bred originally from the OBBD), Rottweilers, and my DD has had Rhodesian Ridgeback, Shepherd mix, and now a Pitbull mix (Pits are sweet with humans and family but they seem to hate other animals!) We currently opted to have chickens rather than any more dogs/cats. The chickens are more independent yet still are a joy as pets.

Everyone has their favourite breeds or particular favourite individual within a breed. So far we've been delighted with the Ameraucana and my friend has picked Amers and EEs as her favourites as far as temperament and outstanding egg-laying - she sells eggs so needs a flock that produces well plus gets along with each other. We are phasing out and not replacing any Marans varieties because their temperaments can be so varied and unpredictable and the Leghorn is a wonderful layer but too assertive in a gentle flock. We don't get Wyans because it's 50/50 about how nice they'll be in a flock - MyPetChicken.com lists them as having a "dominanat" personality and I know a couple people who rehomed their aggressive Wyans. We've had both BRs and Doms and prefer the easy-going feed-efficient lightweight Doms.

Other than our one little Silkie roo who was supposed to be a "pullet" I've not had experience with cockerels. Hens without roos will establish an alpha who at times can behave like a male, jumping other hens, sounding yard alerts, calling to and dropping food purposely for the lesser hens to eat - fascinating animals.

Currently with our little backyard coop we want only easy-going breeds to share the small space. They free-range all day and put themselves away in the evening sometimes following single file into the coop - so fun to watch.

Oh yes, as my cockerel has gotten older and more interested in being the boss, he's been booted to the very bottom of the pecking order. He's always hidden behind my OE when the bigger girls were around and for a while she took the brunt of being picked on but the closer she gets to egg laying (which should start sometime within the next few weeks), the more the two older EEs defend her. It's actually been quite and interesting thing to observe. I never expected to see females defend each other but then again, he's lacking major rooster etiquette. He's not the least bit chivalrous as he should be, especially when it comes to food.

As for my dog, he likes to keep things harmonious. If there's a scuffle between anyone, he physically puts himself between whomever/whatever is in disagreement. Not in an aggressive way, just as a barrier. He has protected my flock from my neighbors dogs who like to come over to visit but if they get a little too rambunctious around my kids, cat or chickens, he chases them home. He's also incredibly protective of me and I shouted at the cockerel when I was bitten, hence his reaction to snap. Though he wasn't standing right next to me when it happened, he knew exactly which one did it and singled him out. He was just doing his "job" by protecting me.

This is what he's normally like with my flock:

Back to them is his way of showing them he means them no harm


My SLW often seeks him out when she want to nap because she knows he means safety.

 

[tntchix]

What a good dog you have. Newfs are an amazing breed.

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Oh yes, as my cockerel has gotten older and more interested in being the boss, he's been booted to the very bottom of the pecking order. He's always hidden behind my OE when the bigger girls were around and for a while she took the brunt of being picked on but the closer she gets to egg laying (which should start sometime within the next few weeks), the more the two older EEs defend her. It's actually been quite and interesting thing to observe. I never expected to see females defend each other but then again, he's lacking major rooster etiquette. He's not the least bit chivalrous as he should be, especially when it comes to food.

As for my dog, he likes to keep things harmonious. If there's a scuffle between anyone, he physically puts himself between whomever/whatever is in disagreement. Not in an aggressive way, just as a barrier. He has protected my flock from my neighbors dogs who like to come over to visit but if they get a little too rambunctious around my kids, cat or chickens, he chases them home. He's also incredibly protective of me and I shouted at the cockerel when I was bitten, hence his reaction to snap. Though he wasn't standing right next to me when it happened, he knew exactly which one did it and singled him out. He was just doing his "job" by protecting me.

This is what he's normally like with my flock:

Back to them is his way of showing them he means them no harm


My SLW often seeks him out when she want to nap because she knows he means safety.

Awwww. I grew up with Newfs. Such fantastic dogs! I introduced my Mastiff to the chicks last night. He got peeped at when he tried to sniff them and backed off to give me the "Mom, what *is* that?" look. Then he sneezed and went and laid down.

 

[Minflick]

You have to love big dogs that know something is precious to their human, know they could damage it, and they become so careful to not hurt the precious thing.

 

[HighStreetCoop]

You have to love big dogs that know something is precious to their human, know they could damage it, and they become so careful to not hurt the precious thing.

I hope he continues with this level of disinterest. I'm not yet ready to test him by turning one loose.

 

[Minflick]

Wise of you, IMO. Better safe than sorry isn't just a platitude!

 

[HighStreetCoop]

Wise of you, IMO. Better safe than sorry isn't just a platitude!

I don't think he'd attack it (zero prey drive on this bub), but he might squash it accidently.

 

[Minflick]

Yes, and I've been the one damaged accidentally, and I'm pretty large! Just yesterday, at work, we had a GSD shift in an attempt to get away from us (putting in a catheter) and his leg rolled my hand and it HURT like stink. I've seen dinky dogs come in with bruised or broken legs from the jumbo dogs in the family (or the kids), and the big dog meant no harm or the dinky dog would be dead (seen that too...) but damage happens when there's a big size difference, so I really do appreciate it when I see a big dog being careful with some dinky thing! But, no, I wouldn't trust to luck either. Why risk it?

 

[islandgirl82]

My big guy gives my flock a VERY wide berth when they stand between he and I and he wants to be near me. He doesn't want to disturb them while they go about their business. It's very sweet to see but I've watched him like a hawk since he snapped at my cockerel to be sure he's not just waiting for me to be preoccupied so he can have some fresh chicken. So far, everyone is back to normal like nothing ever happened with the exception of the cockerel not daring to get anywhere near me and I'm fine with that but have no doubt that if that he ever got aggressive with anyone he would meet his demise via dog jaws before the blink of an eye.