Should I buy eggs or wait it out?

[Chaneys Ranch]

Quote: Yes he is a heeler. The kids don't want anything to do with him anymore because he does tend to jump on them and nip heels. I would definitely not say that he wouldn't bite although he hasn't tried actually biting anyone. Honestly, I wish my dad had never brought him here. My dad never thinks stuff through and then other people have to deal with the mess. I had originally planned to get a LGD when we get goats eventually. I'm really trying to figure out what the best thing to do is......

The nipping is what made me decide against them too. They sure are pretty dogs, and so smart. But yes, they are suited for larger livestock, and even are a bit much for goats. Is he neutered? That goes a long way in calming a dog down. Dh's cousin had one i was able to meet, and this dog would leap into his arms from a standstill. Like he was on springs! I spent about an hour with his dog and that was enough. He has always kept heelers, and told me they are mostly a very "busy" dog. He kept them outside with the cows. Most of what you are talking about is how they are, even the females. They just are not good around poultry or waterfowl.

 

[Scrambles55]

I had a similar type of dog years ago. They are bred to be very active. They can run 20-30 miles a day, no problem. They are nippers and herders. They can't help it. Mine did bite people and had other extreme issues. When he bit a friend on the neck, I had to "deal" with it. I had no choice. Even the humane society would not take him back. It's difficult. Hugs.....

 

[chickenlindz]

My sister has a border collie that herded my niece. She had holes in every shirt at the butt area.... Now that he's older he's a great dog.

Rawley is a great puppy. He hasn't been trusted w chickens yet cause he does chase them if they wander over to him.

 

[Chaneys Ranch]

Well, I guess my girls are still laying... Found an egg stash, close to 3 dozen! DH has a pile of metal scrap he takes in when the price is reasonable.. anyways I saw 2 hens going to an old washer on the pile..

sure enough almost 3 dozen eggs in the washtub, all different colors

that's the only issue with free range birds here, the egg hunt when they decide not to lay in the coop. Floated the eggs (2 were bad) and gave the rest to the piggies, they were really happy

Found more hidden below the nest boxes in the coop, i need to clean more often I guess! Weekly isn't enough! My pullets are laying everywhere.

I also found 5 blue eggs from Goldie in the goat house. Hopefully we found all the stashes after the cleanups on the pens today. Bocephus, my goat buck is not liking me interfering with his house, being a jerk. I went into the goats house and he got the usual ear rubs and back scratches. Then he wanted to butt! Bo has grown to be a big fella. I hope he is just being a "boy" and not getting aggressive. He has horns, unfortunately and my does do also.

 

[ronott1]

Well, I guess my girls are still laying... Found an egg stash, close to 3 dozen! DH has a pile of metal scrap he takes in when the price is reasonable.. anyways I saw 2 hens going to an old washer on the pile..

sure enough almost 3 dozen eggs in the washtub, all different colors

that's the only issue with free range birds here, the egg hunt when they decide not to lay in the coop. Floated the eggs (2 were bad) and gave the rest to the piggies, they were really happy

Found more hidden below the nest boxes in the coop, i need to clean more often I guess! Weekly isn't enough! My pullets are laying everywhere.

I also found 5 blue eggs from Goldie in the goat house. Hopefully we found all the stashes after the cleanups on the pens today. Bocephus, my goat buck is not liking me interfering with his house, being a jerk. I went into the goats house and he got the usual ear rubs and back scratches. Then he wanted to butt! Bo has grown to be a big fella. I hope he is just being a "boy" and not getting aggressive. He has horns, unfortunately and my does do also.

Chickens are so silly!

I am glad that you did not toss them without testing. It must not be freezing there yet?

 

[lindz8504]

Yay for finding the stashes!

I have had herding dogs my entire life, and heelers are definitely my least favorite. Border Collis are my favorite followed closely by Australian shepherds. Heelers seem to be more hard headed, driven, and independent than the others. The BCs and Aussies are more likely to want to please than heelers in my experience, and were less likely to be lethal on small animals than the heelers I've been around. Of course you get all kinds in every breed. Anyway, I will figure something out that works for us.

Zero eggs yesterday and so far 2 today.

 

[Scrambles55]

Its DHs 62 birthday today and we are headed to the casino to celebrate with friends. There we can party like rock stars and then stumble to our rooms. No driving involved.
Its a sunny day today, but we are headed for a cool down and maybe a little snow. That's ok. I really do love a white Christmas. now.... if I can only find the gifts that I bought.

 

[Wishing4Wings]

jchny, just think of it as perpetual Easter at your place. You get to have an egg hunt every day!

Happy birthday to Mr. Scrambles! Hope you don't loose your shirt at the casino.

Hubby returned from his trip last night. We are going out to get a tree. Hope there are some left!

 

[XxMingirlxX]

Hey all, time for an update babs and Zazzles are back in the full swing of laying, Selma and Peggy don't even look close. It's soooooooooooooooooo muddy. We have had rain, rain, a tad of snow and then more rain......
I would question how much of a good pet Rachet is if you can't even touch him, you can always deal with the huskies with animal control but you can't do that with your own dog. Obviously it's always up to you but are you willing to keep losing chickens?
Decorated the tree today, it's looking lovely. I love Christmas but I have always been one to loath the shops having an isle devoted to Christmas since September.

 

[Scrambles55]

My computer kicked me off... so....
I think that this egg is Little Bits first egg. It was in the pen with Rumples and a nest has been dug out in the sleeping box. Thin shelled and broken. I don't think it's from Rump. Her eggs are darker and I doubt that she will ever lay again. The Ameraucanas are 33 weeks old now.