[easey558]

We have recently moved into a lovely village and would like to keep a couple of laying hens.  My grden is not large but has plenty of room to accomadate them, but I also have two 18 month old spaniels.  I would appreciate any advice as I would want my hens to be happy! :?:

[Aunt Sally]

Welcome to the forums easey558.  do pop up to the Welcome forum to introduce yourself

It would indeed be fine for you to keep a couple of hens in your garden.  But do not trust the dogs alone with them.  You should keep the hens in a fox (and dog) proof run while you are not in the garden with them.  Many train their dogs not to touch the hens.

[mdueal]

We have two spaniels that live in a kennel outside at the bottom of the garden - they also have a fenced off area around it. Our 5 chickens free range in the rest of the garden and we have never had any major problems. our older dog (18months) is a softy so after a couple of days of telling him to leave the chickens he doesnt now take any notice of them. The younger dog (8mths) is a far 'better' gun dog so he could never be trusted near them - but he only wants to play with them if he dose go near them as he likes the flap and squak effect he has on them. Having said that the little dog is often more intereted in the chicken coop than the chickens - he wolfs down veggy treats, chicken pellets and poo all with equal gusto!!