It’s refreshing and relaxing to watch the chickens clucking in your backyard. You will not only enjoy their random and quick movement, but also enjoy having fresh eggs whenever you want. However, the problem arises from how you are protecting them from their natural predators, especially if you have other pets at home. Furry friends, such as dogs, cats, and rabbits, may not harm your chickens, but establishing harmony among all the animals is essential.
So, how do you decide the right one among the variety of chicken coops present in the market?
Factors to consider when choosing the right coop:
- Before searching for the right coop, understand your pets first. Observe how they behave around the chickens and other small animals.
- If your dogs have a high prey drive, then they are a danger to your chickens.
- Cats and adult chickens may get along well, but the same can’t be said for small chicks. The cats may chase and sometimes eat them as well.
- Rabbits and guinea pigs are not a threat to chickens; however, you still have to set boundaries. It’s one of the tips to keep your chickens safe and healthy in your backyard.
When you understand how your pets behave, you will have an idea of how strong the coop should be.
Some other factors include:
- Always prefer a predator-proof design
If you have a chicken coop with sturdy mesh, it can keep your chickens safe from other pets. It reduces the stress and potential confrontation between pets, especially when you are not around. Choose a coop that’s covered on all sides and has enough ventilation for your chickens to be comfortable.
- Place the coop in an elevated place
Placing the coop at an elevated place will reduce tension among pets and increase the safety of chickens. The best practice is to avoid the place where your other pets often roam. Designation of places for each pet will make them stay within their boundaries and reduce tension among them.You can also use natural barriers like fences, shrubs and garden beds to separate pets and poultry. Also, you have to consider a spot where you can monitor their activity even from their activity from anywhere in the home.
- Introduce each pet gradually and slowly
Chicken coops work only when the pets are used to the presence of chickens in your backyard. If you have a dog, start by taking it for a short and calm visit to the chickens. If they are calm, reward their behaviour. It increases positive reinforcement and friendliness among chickens. Give them time and be patient while they adjust to each other’s behaviour.
- Choose the size based on the pet’s activity
If the chickens are too large, then choose a big coop so that it has enough space for all the chickens to roam freely. If they are not comfortable, they build up tension and become cranky when you introduce them to other pets. So always aim for a spacious design that has enough space inside to minimise stress on chickens and pets.
- Always consider the smell and noise of chickens
Chicken and noisy and smelly pets. These two factors can agitate other pets and create tension among them. To minimise the risk, you can create a proper ventilation system to reduce smells. You can position the coop away from pet doors and resting spots of other pets to minimise the smell.Also, regularly clean the chicken coop to clear away the smell. It also reduces unwanted tension from other animals.
- Choose the right chicken breed
If you have multiple pets at home, choosing calmer, quieter chickens is the best solution to maintain harmony among pets.
Final thoughts
If you want to have the right chicken coop in Australia, then you need to consider the above points if you also have other pets living with you. Based on your requirements and needs, you can easily pick a coop where your chickens feel safe and healthy in your backyard without agitating the other pets.
