Laying hens in Torontario

[valegal]

I think the biggest challenge will be the predators... especially the raccoons. They're far more intelligent than some people think... those "raccoon-proof" bins they rolled out last year? The ones in our area figured them out within a couple of weeks. I'll definitely be putting a proper keyed lock on my coop, and large paving stones around the pen to make it harder for them to tunnel in.

[Happy]

@valegal I agree about the raccoons. One got in my neighbors coop last week and killed 4 birds in the time it took her to hear the commotion and run out there. I'm interested in hearing about what it's like to keep birds in your situation. I imagine many of the issues you will face will be similar to those in a more rural setting but some might be vastly different! Keep us posted as you dive into your new endeavor. Have you determined what breed(s) you want?

[valegal]

We actually have a surprising number of predators here (I live near the Humber River). Besides the raccoons, there are hawks, cats, opossums, and I've seen the odd coyote. I'm guessing that's one of the reasons that the city isn't allowing the chickens here to be "at large" at any point.

As far as breeds, I was thinking one each of Chantecler, RIR, and Cochin. I think I've sourced out the Chantecler, but if anyone has any RIR and/or Cochin pullets available and are in southern Ontario, feel free to PM me.

I agree with @Epona, there will likely be a huge demand for pullets very soon. I've done some Google'ing myself and it seems tough to find anything other than chicks, especially in southern Ontario.

[Brebis]

The other urban predator you may have to deal with is neighbouring dogs...I lost several rabbits complements of the neighbours large dogs, even though they were in a decent outdoor hutch.

[Happy]

We actually have a surprising number of predators here (I live near the Humber River). Besides the raccoons, there are hawks, cats, opossums, and I've seen the odd coyote. I'm guessing that's one of the reasons that the city isn't allowing the chickens here to be "at large" at any point.

As far as breeds, I was thinking one each of Chantecler, RIR, and Cochin. I think I've sourced out the Chantecler, but if anyone has any RIR and/or Cochin pullets available and are in southern Ontario, feel free to PM me.

I agree with @Epona, there will likely be a huge demand for pullets very soon. I've done some Google'ing myself and it seems tough to find anything other than chicks, especially in southern Ontario.

I have Cochin and although they are pretty and gentle they aren't great egg producers so that may or may not be a consideration for you. The other two that you mention are traditionally better layers. My almost 2 year old Cochins still haven't resumed laying since starting their "vacation" last Sept/Oct. On the flip side my 6 year old Barred Rocks have started back up and they are laying at least every other day. Depends how important eggs are to you

[valegal]

I have Cochin and although they are pretty and gentle they aren't great egg producers so that may or may not be a consideration for you. The other two that you mention are traditionally better layers. My almost 2 year old Cochins still haven't resumed laying since starting their "vacation" last Sept/Oct. On the flip side my 6 year old Barred Rocks have started back up and they are laying at least every other day. Depends how important eggs are to you

I tried to pick a mix to get the best of both worlds... ideally I'd like one solid layer, but I do really like the look of the Cochins. I also get a kick out of the Polish, but it sounds like they're a little more on the flighty side.

[valegal]

The other urban predator you may have to deal with is neighbouring dogs...I lost several rabbits complements of the neighbours large dogs, even though they were in a decent outdoor hutch.

Sorry to hear. Luckily we only have one dog on our street, and it's a golden retriever who would probably insist that she and the hens become best of friends. :)

[Jaye]

The other urban predator you may have to deal with is neighbouring dogs...I lost several rabbits complements of the neighbours large dogs, even though they were in a decent outdoor hutch.

Sorry to hear. Luckily we only have one dog on our street, and it's a golden retriever who would probably insist that she and the hens become best of friends. :)

Umm, love golden retrievers, but they are retrievers, so... he/she/it may well want to be friends, but don't count on it. Don't forget, everybody likes chicken dinner.

[valegal]

Umm, love golden retrievers, but they are retrievers, so... he/she/it may well want to be friends, but don't count on it. Don't forget, everybody likes chicken dinner.

Haha... true!

[thejonesboy]

Where there's a will there's a way .

I thought it was.... Where there's a will there's a relative. :)