still on fence about getting chicks??? help

[capecodpeeps]

My local feed store is getting last shipment of chicks on this coming monday, and i feel undecided?? I have 2 small dogs, and dont want to draw attention to preditors, but have always wanted chickens but dont really know what to do, can you give me any advice or words of wisdom anyone??

 

[ksct]

well i am still waiting on our chicks. LOOOONG story.... so i can't say anything about having them BUT -
my DH gave me about 6 hours notice to decide to get them or not. We live out in the 'country' so there's about 2 acres on either side of us or more before we have any neighbors. We have all types of wildlife out there (this past winter we had our first bear HUGE!) so i was and still am concerned about predators. But I think our coop will be just fine! I realize if animals are hungry enough they'll do what they can to get in so nothing is ever predator proof but we've done pretty well. (i will have to post pics later)
Also, we decided we will not be eating them (we're getting 12) so we don't have to worry about that but i have to say that since we decided to get them, i'm excited. I know it's going to be work but i've read so many things on this site that make me look forward to it more. Our delivery date has been moved 3 times now so the anticipation is increasing. We've decided since our house is small and our dog doesn't love animals smaller than him; we will be keeping the brooder box in the coop with heat lamp. that way they're safe all the way around. I think if you are able to have them, are willing to take the time and WANT them, they will be nice to have. that perhaps doesn't answer your question. and with any luck, we'll have the chicks next friday so i may be more assistance then.... Hope that was at least a little help.

 

[ging3rhoffman]

I love my chicks. They are 12 weeks old now. I also have 2 small dogs and dogs and chickens dont mix. You really need to have a coop and then a run for the chicks to live in. Chicken wire can keep your chickens in but it wont keep predators out so you will need to get a heavy galvinized wire. We used the wire that is made for Rabbit cages, it is expensive but well worth the peace of mind. We used the 1/2 inch by 1 inch. You need to allow 4 to 10 square foot per chicken in your coop and run. Maybe you already know all this stuff, i dont know. You can ask us more questions if you have any.

 

[Teach97]

Get the chicks...get the chicks...get the chicks!

Then go back and get some more...buy an incubator...order some eggs...buy some adult birds...get some quail...then pheasant...don't forget about turkeys!!!

 

[capecodpeeps]

my main concern is my 2 dogs....Will i be attracting more attention to predetors by adding chickens???UGGGG

 

[jenni2142]

Are you worried the chickens will endanger you dogs or the other way around? Predators depend on where you live, if your coop and run are secure then it shouldn't be a problem. I vote for chicks, they bring so much joy and are more fun to watch than tv.

 

[chickory]

i have a rhodesian ridgeback that has been trained to leave my chicks alone. and its worked well. when they are free ranging and get scared, they fly to my dog for protection. i dont know about terriers but with a hound it worked out. i see lots of chickens out in the yard with dogs around here so..................get the chicks!

 

[justmeandtheflock]

Quote:
This, but now I am thinking about a peacock I love them, love them, love them no matter what I have to fo to keep them safe.

 

[JLMom]

Are you worried about attracting predators like coyote and foxes that might hurt you dogs? Are your dogs usually left outside alone? If not, I wouldn't worry about that. But of course you have to worry about them for you chickens.

I just got my first chicks on May 9th of this year (as 5 day olds) and I love it! I have been wanting chickens for at least 4 years! They are absolutely adorable! Even my husband (who I had to wear down for the past 4 years to get them) likes them. He holds them, tries to train them, and just stares at them!

GET THEM! (BTW, I am in Somerset [near Fall River]. What kind of chicks is your grain store getting?)
Good luck!

 

[Teach97]

Quote:
This, but now I am thinking about a peacock I love them, love them, love them no matter what I have to fo to keep them safe.

Don't get the peacock...they are the devil