Keeping Chickens Newsletter
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February 2009
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We intend to use the eggs (but not the chickens) as part of our diet, and pickle most of the surplus. Any additional will be taken to work and shared out with my co-workers. So we're utter noobs, and are trying to educate ourselves before we dive in. We've checked the local statutes and spoken with the agricultural extension agent, and it looks like two hens is the limit. We don't have a problem with large snakes, but we do have hawks and owls, and can't be certain how the dogs will respond. Generally they bark at anything larger than a crow, and utterly ignore anything smaller. My intention is to build a chicken tractor, and possibly a coop as well. If we start out with young chickens (maybe larger than chicks but smaller than hens), I suspect the dogs will acclimate to them without a problem. Either way, we intend to keep them safe at all times. My sister has some property about an hour north of us, and she keeps about a dozen chickens, so she will hope to plan a visit to her place and pepper her with questions. But we are also very interested to hear whatever advice you or your readers have about getting started on this journey. My Reply : Thanks - I'm glad
you're enjoying the newsletter
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I
keep all the past issues in the members area which contains a lot
of tips and experiences from subscribers that should help you get
started. The best general advice I think would probably be to consider
yourself as much as the chickens when planning your coop (cleaning
out can be a real pain in the neck, back, shoulders and anywhere
else you can think of if you are having to squat or crawl about
to do it!). Dogs can surprise you (in a nice way) and be the perfect
companions - and perches! - but it is not always the case. Often
it is the neighbourhood dogs you need to watch out for the most
though. Good luck with everything. 
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