Third Time's a Winner

[Robtroe]

Hi and thanks for letting me a part of your group. I can explain my title "Third times a winner", I guess I should add "I hope". Two other times at trying to raise chickens resulted in mysterious disappearing flocks, sometimes overnight. So this time I took the time and built a coop with tin around the bottom up 24 inches and another 4 ft of chain link fence above that. We also have a Great Pyrenees that has already developed an interest in protecting the flock. I think now my chickens are a little bit more protected. My wife and I are both retired, so looking for a pleasing pastime, which we have found in chickens. Looking forward to learning much more from others on this site. We're located in central Texas, getting ready for the Texas summer heat.

 

[redsoxs]

Hello from Kansas, Robtroe, and ! Happy you joined our community and I certainly hope third time is the charm. Sounds like you are better pepped this time but chain link still makes me a little nervous. Raccoons can reach their grubby little paws through the holes, snatch a bird and eat it alive through the fence - what a way to go! . If possible, can you put hardware cloth from the ground up to 18" ? Also, is the topcovered to protect from airborne predators?
Here's a link to predator section of the Learning Center: https://www.backyardchickens.com/a/chicken-predators-pests-how-to-protect-treat-your-flock
You might get some pointers to help you out.
Best wishes and thanks for joining BYC! e

 

[Chicken Girl1]

Hello

and Welcome to BYC! I hope you have better luck this time around!

 

[Pork Pie]

Hi and welcome to BYC - thanks for joining us. It sounds like your modifications should deter predators.

You may wish to consider joining your state thread as it will put you in touch with other BYC members in your area - https://www.backyardchickens.com/t/270925/find-your-states-thread#post_3239224

All the best
CT

 

[trailrider330]

Welcome to BYC!!! We are glad you joined our flock!

 

[shaggy151]

Hello there, fellow Texan.


Shaggy

 

[Teila]

G’Day from down under Robtroe

Welcome!

As you have already received links to some great starting points, I will just wish you all the best and yep, third time lucky!

I hope you enjoy being a BYC member. There are lots of friendly and very helpful folks here so not only is it overflowing with useful information it is also a great place to make friends and have some fun.

If you would like to share pictures and stories of your flock, you have come to the right place. BYC’ers never tire of these and do not back away slowly or commence eye rolling when the photo album or home videos come out

 

[drumstick diva]

Do you free range your flock? If so you have to be prepared to accept the extent of losses to predators. You can beef up security of coop and run but, there is really no way to protect from loss free ranging.

If your dog is young it can be quite awhile before it realizes it is supposed to protect your birds - it's not unusual for such a dog to nibble on the chickens first . Especially if the pup is not from a working farm - where pups are generally around chickens (or whatever animal) from the time they can walk. That helps them bond to the animals. Also if they grow up around working dogs, they will mimic what they see. An older dog would also wallop them if they harm the stock. Makes training them much easier.