[peewee_lane]

Hi there everyone, if you're reading, please let me know what you would do.

I have seven fantastic hens. We have a large hen house we built for them and they seem happy enough. A few weeks ago I built a grazing arc and now they love the grass, go mad for it.

At the moment we share this place with another couple who have 2 dogs and 2 cats. (We foster their cats).

I want to let the hens out as they've been in the coop for months now and surely would return back there in the evenings?

This morning when I came in the coop with their warm oats they ignored the tasty oats and went straight for the grass, I caught the two that escaped and the rest weren't impressed they were out at all.

Do I just let them out? The cats have never paid them any attention, the sleep all day. The dogs are weird though, the owners dont dicipline them enough. I would be worried the dogs would eat them?

I really want to let them out though...

[Vember]

Hi Peewee

I would be a little concerned about the dogs??
Is there no way to could fence some off the grassed area off to let them have a bit more of a run on it :?

I have 5 dogs and it took a while for them to get the message that chasing the birds was a no no.


Sarah

[Kate and her Ducks]

Could the dogs be kept on a leash while the introductions are done and everyone gets used to each other and the rules?

[ceri green]

i'm sure the cats would be fine
be very careful with the dogs tho.....my friend came to stay with her dog (springer cross, placid temperament etc, hadnt shown any interest while it was still on the lead walking past the chicken area) and during our walk around the field it jumped over a 6ft fence and killed all bar one by the time we managed to run there!
we are pretty sure it was just trying to play, but it was devastating for all concerned.
my own dogs have NEVER bothered with the chickens tho

[poultrygeist]

Hi peewee.

I would be very wary of any dogs I don't have full control of. Instinct can take over and nasty things could happen.

AS vember said, you could try and securely fence a bit fo the grass for them but only you know what the dogs are like. if you think they may get too inquisitive, I'd not risk it without some barrier or leads.

Rob

[peewee_lane]

God.. I hate those dogs so much. I wish the chickens could have full rein of the land. I'll try introducing them on the lead.

[Knight Family]

we have to have our 2 boader collies kept in there own run as 1 cannot be trusted with chickens!  Lost tail feathers already never again!

[peewee_lane]

This really annoys me. The grass around the coop is all worn and I want them to have the fresh stuff. The dogs are given free reign of the land, the poop everywhere.
Placid temperments, they have jumped at the hens whilst they have been in the coop but I have been on hand to let a roar at them.

I think the dogs win.

[compostqueen]

if there's dog poop everywhere I wouldn't want my hens free-ranging there

[peewee_lane]

Yeah Compost Queen, didnt think of that one.. thanks.

[peewee_lane]

UPDATE!

The hens did a co-ordinated prison break last Friday and ran riot, enjoying the grass and land.

The dogs were unphased, as they have been in the coop for months they didnt want to chase them at all, and werent interested.

Saturday I let them out and brought each dog down on the lead but the dogs didnt want to be introduced, they had met them already it seemed...

Then I saw the cats coming down, they just wanted my attention and didnt care about the hens at all.

So, I am delighted that I can let them out now and my cheeky welsummer sees me at the window and flies up for some treats.

[poultrygeist]

Keep an eye on them all still though. Our dog is fine until they start spatting with each other, then he gets excited and wants to join in.
Ours are in a run so he can't get at them.

Pleased you've been able to give them some freedom.

Rob

[woodburner]

I'm confused, ok nothing new there I know but why are they so mad for the grass outside when they are on grass anyway? Have I missed something?