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v2002brown

letting chickens be free

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I don't think the cats will be a problem, and presumably you are confident about the Yorkshire terrier (although bear in mind that he will view them differently when they are free-ranging, rather than in the run). It might be best to supervise a few times.

 

Please, please don't underestimate the fox though - it may be that your Yorkie will deter any foxes from coming around, but that is the reason I don't ever let mine free-range without supervision.

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Ditto the 'Foxy' - Re. cats and dogs. My chooks definitly have the 'upper hand' The chickens regularly chase my 2 cats and 2 dogs if any of them dare to go near their treats ! VERY funny to watch. Our little white chicken is the worst - a real bruiser ! :lol:

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There wings will need to be clipped. I looked in a book the first time I did it. Omlet may have something about it on their info/guide section.

This is relatively easy (after the first time) It needs to be done after each time that they molt. Although I tend to check mine every 4 months.

only ONE wing needs to be done - this uts them off ballance. hope this helps :P

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I'd clip their wings if you are worried about the bothering Her Nextdoor.

 

I'd also supervise carefully for at least the first few times when the are out and the dog is around.

 

The breed that seems to get the most mention on the forum for being horrible to hens is the Jack Russell I'm afraid.

 

Terrier instinct I suppose.

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Clipping their wings isn't difficult - you just need a sharp pair of kitchen scissors or some pet claw-clippers. You only have to clip about four or five feathers (the biggest ones at the tip) on one wing - the key is to hold the wing up to the light if you can, and not cut where you can see blood vessels in the shaft. That's about a third of the way along from the base, if I remember rightly, but the Omlet guide suggests only removing about 6cm.

 

http://www.omlet.co.uk/guide/guide.php?view=Chickens&cat=Chicken%20Care&sub=wing%20clipping

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