AUSTRALIAN POULTRY FORUM™

Hi there,

I’m looking for opinions. Background: we have three chickens we inherited with the house we bought earlier this year. We’ve been free ranging them in the backyard but of course, they destroyed the lawn so we are working on a ‘run’ for them and limiting their time our while the lawn grows back in the meantime.

We’re going to do the run thing as well, because of the two dogs. Although they didn’t kill the chickens when our 20yr old accidentally left the door open, I still don’t trust them together unless I’m out there. (the part Heeler just rounds them up, but the part Kelpie I think would like to eat them, though I think is ‘torn’ as she doesn’t like to be told off either)

So I’ve acquired a paddling pool and am wondering what would be best with the hot weather coming - a small amount of water or sand for them to nestle down in. Any opinions?

The other thing is henpecking. I hate it, and know there are ways to alter the hierarchy, but I’d like to know, is it a real problem for the poor chicken being hen pecked? Or does it affect me more?!

Thanks in advance.

Chickens don't wade in water, just dam the ground on really hot days and make sure they have plenty of shade

Hen pecking is normal if there is not rooster

Thanks ChickenPox.

With regard to the henpecking, do they mind?I meant, seriously, does the henpecked chicken mind? Because I’ve read all these different things you can do to help their feathers grow back or stop the henpecking, but if it just ‘is what it is’ and fully acceptable and normal within their little communities, then I’ll stop feeling bad for her!

They mind but they dont have a choice in time it will stop