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Chickens Roam Free!

We have three dogs: an old (14 years) setter/hound mix, a two year old Blue Heeler, and a one year old Terrier mix. 

Our chickens stay in an outdoor pen about 15'x15' and they have an indoor coop that's about 6'x15'.  Sometimes we put the dogs in their kennel and we let the chickens out.  A few times we have let the chickens out with the dogs when we are outside to keep an eye out.  Our oldest could care less about the chickens, he only tries to nip at them if they come within his reach.  The little Terrier is afraid of them, and won't go near them.  Our Blue Heeler is the one we have to watch, he likes to chase them around. 

Well, for the past few days the weather has been nice and sunny so we decided to let the chickens out with the dogs, we even decided to let them be, and just checked up on them once and a while.  The rooster is very protective of the hens and anytime there is trouble he is right there ready for a fight!  Amazingly all the dogs including the Heeler have totally left them alone to wonder the yard!  I am so happy, and I'm sure the chickens are too!  I still don't trust the dogs enough to leave the chickens out when we aren't home, but at least they can roam free when we are here.  I like to see them walking around and they look so pretty against the green grass, and all their feathers have filled in since their molt.  I think I will take some pictures of them today and post them. :)