Planning Our First Backyard Flock & Dog Fence – Advice Welcome!

[Bella Vista Coop]

We are moving to a property in March with one acre and are starting to plan out our backyard space. It has been fun and exciting to think through, but I would love to hear everyone's experiences and words of wisdom!

Current Coop Plan
We’re planning to build a 6'x18' coop similar to the Carolina Coops design. Our city allows up to seven hens and requires them to stay in the run. We plan to max out our flock at seven hens and follow the run regulation.

Questions

1. We have a dog (40lb mini Bernedoodle) and will be installing an underground invisible fence when we move. The fencing company we’re working with says they can lay wire around the chicken coop to act as a buffer and prevent our dog from getting too close or accessing the coop. Has anyone else done this? If so, was it successful?
2. We have a couple of young children, so we want to choose breeds that are both docile and good egg layers. We live in Nebraska, and a local breeder sells Ameraucanas, Orpingtons, and Wyandottes. Our current plan is to get a couple of each breed. Does that sound like a good mix?

Thank you all!

 

[Sefirothe]

My only experience with wireless fences is as a person walking my dog thru the neighborhood and both of us got attacked by two dogs that blew right thru their wireless fence to come after us.

If dogs see something tempting enough (like chickens) they won’t care about the shock.

 

[DobieLover]

We have a dog (40lb mini Bernedoodle) and will be installing an underground invisible fence when we move. The fencing company we’re working with says they can lay wire around the chicken coop to act as a buffer and prevent our dog from getting too close or accessing the coop. Has anyone else done this? If so, was it successful?

If the chickens are required to stay in the run, there is no earthly need to put invisible fencing around the setup. The 1/2" hardware cloth you are going to use to secure it (along with a 2' predator apron) will keep the dog out.

We have a couple of young children, so we want to choose breeds that are both docile and good egg layers. We live in Nebraska, and a local breeder sells Ameraucanas, Orpingtons, and Wyandottes. Our current plan is to get a couple of each breed. Does that sound like a good mix?

All lovely breeds that should do well in your climate.

 

[rosemarythyme]

If the chickens are required to stay in the run, there is no earthly need to put invisible fencing around the setup

x2 on this. Unless your dog is crazy aggressive around small animals and spends all day outside, the run fencing and apron should suffice.

The breeds you mention should all be fine, though if your main desire is eggs, I'd suggest not getting 7 birds in the first year. Spread out the age of the flock a bit (1-2 years) and you'll have more consistent egg production over time, unless you plan on a high turnover on layers in order to keep production up (i.e. culling every 2 years).

 

[Bella Vista Coop]

If the chickens are required to stay in the run, there is no earthly need to put invisible fencing around the setup. The 1/2" hardware cloth you are going to use to secure it (along with a 2' predator apron) will keep the dog out.

All lovely breeds that should do well in your climate.

Thank you, that is really helpful!

 

[Bella Vista Coop]

If the chickens are required to stay in the run, there is no earthly need to put invisible fencing around the setup. The 1/2" hardware cloth you are going to use to secure it (along with a 2' predator apron) will keep the dog out.

All lovely breeds that should do well in your climate.

Thank you! That is really helpful!

 

[Bella Vista Coop]

x2 on this. Unless your dog is crazy aggressive around small animals and spends all day outside, the run fencing and apron should suffice.

The breeds you mention should all be fine, though if your main desire is eggs, I'd suggest not getting 7 birds in the first year. Spread out the age of the flock a bit (1-2 years) and you'll have more consistent egg production over time, unless you plan on a high turnover on layers in order to keep production up (i.e. culling every 2 years).

Never thought of that! Thank you for the advice

 

[ChaosMom]

…The breeds you mention should all be fine, though if your main desire is eggs, I'd suggest not getting 7 birds in the first year. Spread out the age of the flock a bit (1-2 years) and you'll have more consistent egg production over time, unless you plan on a high turnover on layers in order to keep production up (i.e. culling every 2 years).

To add:

My city also limits hens to 7, although I don’t plan to have that many, of course!

I’m starting with three, planning to add 2 next year. One reason I’m stopping at five is because if I want to add again to reach seven, I don’t want to try to integrate just one pullet to a flock of six. With “only” five, I could add a pair so that they could each have a buddy.