Silkie thread!

[Mumsy]

I know she uses Pine shavings, so not that issue.

So true. They are on white pine shavings over sterilized play ground sand. The behavior has stopped. They are acting normally now. Must have been some kind of growing pains for a few of them. Now that I have seen and documented this behavior in my hatch journal, I will be aware with the next round of Catdance hatching. I plan on purchasing more eggs and eventually raising and breeding these birds together in color pens.

 

[Mumsy]

Yay, I get my 3 Catdance chicks via Chicknlove's hatching in the morning.

AWESOME! Post pictures please!

 

[PaintedFeathers]

anyone have an opinion on having an LGD, or just a guard dog who is also good with the livestock, on .53 acres? The house we want (and pretty much the only option we have) is only on .53 acres =/ I really want a Komondor but it's close to the neighbors and they are known to bark a lot. There are Newfkoms who are mixes of Newfies and Komondors who would probably be quieter and I really like them but the only breeders one looks to be a puppy mill and the other is way too far away

any other ideas? I don't want thick fur, I like "hair'" that continuously grows. I also want a large dog.

 

[chickenlover89]

anyone have an opinion on having an LGD, or just a guard dog who is also good with the livestock, on .53 acres? The house we want (and pretty much the only option we have) is only on .53 acres =/ I really want a Komondor but it's close to the neighbors and they are known to bark a lot. There are Newfkoms who are mixes of Newfies and Komondors who would probably be quieter and I really like them but the only breeders one looks to be a puppy mill and the other is way too far away

any other ideas? I don't want thick fur, I like "hair'" that continuously grows. I also want a large dog.

Well, I have a mini labrodoodle, and he is great with the hens, watches over them, lays with them, very tolerant of them. They probably scare him! Although it may just be my dog, he is great. I'm sorry he won't meet any of your requirements, but he is the best I could ask for. Thats my input.

 

[PaintedFeathers]

Well, I have a mini labrodoodle, and he is great with the hens, watches over them, lays with them, very tolerant of them. They probably scare him! Although it may just be my dog, he is great. I'm sorry he won't meet any of your requirements, but he is the best I could ask for. Thats my input.

I've looked into labradoodles and goldendoodles, but they're not really guard dogs and tend to love anyone who comes by

. I'm looking at old english sheepdogs and I think they would fit perfectly.

 

[Tongiechick]

oh my goodness they are beautiful how do you get their puffs to look like that???

 

[JacquiJ]

Aww, I didn't realize Icelyn was a house chicken.   What is wrong with her?  She is such a pretty girl.  And, I think I will try to tape her legs straight again
You two aren't making this decision easy!  I really do want to keep her, but not knowing if she is in pain is what bothers me (more than not being able to breed her). 

I agree with rocker hen too. Maybe post a video onto the American silkies bantams (silkies) page on fb? Peter brown and another avian vet are on there, maybe they can help? It definitely isn't worth keeping her alive if she has in curable pain. One of my girls loves coming inside and cuddling on the couch and with the dog so don't worry about her quality of life if she has to live inside (somehow they make due )

 

[TurtlePowerTrav]

Quote:
Have you lookied into Australian Shepherds or Australian Cattle dogs(Heelers)? I have both. Got both when they were 10mo to 1.5yo without prior being around chickens. Both are great around them. My Catlle dog still has the puppy play drive(1.5yo) and wants to chase them when they fly around, but is quickly learning that is not ok on my farm. My 12yo Aussie never saw a chicken before last year. He doesn't even bat an eye at them. In fact, he thinks they are part of his pack. They are allowed to eat with him and my rooster will sleep on the porch with him during the warm months.

 

[chickenlover89]

I've looked into labradoodles and goldendoodles, but they're not really guard dogs and tend to love anyone who comes by

. I'm looking at old english sheepdogs and I think they would fit perfectly.

I find that true with people! But with animals they are all protection for our hens. Our dog has chased off a hawk, and 4 deer (although that wasn't necessary). I have no problems with predators. You should also know though, that any dog can be a protector or a predator of your hens depending on how well they are trained with the chickens.

 

[PaintedFeathers]

Have you lookied into Australian Shepherds or Australian Cattle dogs(Heelers)? I have both. Got both when they were 10mo to 1.5yo without prior being around chickens. Both are great around them. My Catlle dog still has the puppy play drive(1.5yo) and wants to chase them when they fly around, but is quickly learning that is not ok on my farm. My 12yo Aussie never saw a chicken before last year. He doesn't even bat an eye at them. In fact, he thinks they are part of his pack. They are allowed to eat with him and my rooster will sleep on the porch with him during the warm months.

I want "hair". I already have a shedding dog who could shed for two! and I want a large dog. I have worked a lot with the aussies, borders, and heelers. They are very smart, but too high energy for me. They tend to bark a lot too.