Silent Tala

If it is a dog and it is guarding my livestock--its a livestock guard dog, lol.

Beagles are good dogs but I'm afraid my husband might "just borrow" it to "see if it will hunt a rabbit", LOL!

Someone told me that about GPs and their food intake.

How many pounds (or cups) of dog food do you feed daily? What brand?

I'm getting back into feeding raw so really want something with a smaller appetite until my food stocks are up and going strong.

We have a ton of GPs in my area--goats are a big thing here. It would be easy to get a well bred dog.

I'm really interested in the Catahoulas because of the whole no grooming thing and their temperament.

I don't think I'll go sticking my arm into a massive swarm of wild bees, LOL.

This is so cool, thanks for posting it!

I second the duckweed. Its a big part of my feeding plans for the ducks/chickens and other livestock.

LOL!

Growing BSF will put a large dent in any grain you have to feed the chickens. Those are some nutritionally dense larvae. I have my culture in my living room awaiting their outdoor home this spring.

Yea, many dog breeds were bred to hunt something; predators or game.

Oh, I don't mind spending money on the "dog" as long as it can be bred to replace itself. I'm looking for an animal that has a smaller feed bill. I think I am going to purchase a couple Catahoulas from a breeder friend of mine. He has nice stock that are good with livestock and at killing predators. He lives in my hometown so I can pick them up when we go to visit my mum.

Thanks for your help guys!

Wow! Great videos! I subscribed to your channels careinke.

I thought if I had the main part outside, I could add wood to the pit without having to open the greenhouse door. Also, to prevent the whole smoke thing. My greenhouse will have animals in it--mammals, birds, fish, reptiles and pollinating insects. Oh, and a four-year old too! LOL

I think seeing your videos helped me to put Erica's advice into perspective

I think I've already figured out how to do the pipes now. Thanks for the inspiration and advice!

I cannot do copper pipes but that copper gave me a good jumping off place for hot water. Thank you for that Warrd!

I may scrap the sand idea Jami. Well see when I start building. I'm partial to sand because I'm from Florida, LOL.

I am working on an Ebook to add my finished projects and animal/plant care to, so I want to make sure to do this inexpensively and safely. The stove was a bit worrisome because I'm afraid of gas and runaway fire, lol.

Thank you all so much! I will be posting so many questions and ideas that you'll ban me from the forums!

I had actually thought of terriers. Some are pretty stout animals that love killing rats and such. My BIL has a very nice stud Jack Russel. He's nice and boxy with a muscular body/mouth. He's small too!

I could get a pup from him and test him out with a small cull flock I guess. If it attacks them I could just figure something else out. The dam would be a large Chihuahua, LOL. They throw nice pups, just not sure how chicken-friendly they'd be, hehe.

The chicken pens will be inside a large fenced area so the dog won't actually be able to touch them. My pom-poo is a good pup trainer when it comes to the other animals.

Would be worth looking into to maybe breed a good miniature chicken guard dog!

I think I need a GP though. I had forgotten about our large predators. Then again, I may just get a Catahoula or some other cur dog. Hmmm I really like a Catahoula though.

Most huskies have a high prey drive. It isn't their fault and it cannot be trained out of them. You can get lucky and find one that is not typical of the breed, but taking that chance probably isn't worth it. They howl a lot too. Its beautiful to my ears but maybe not others'. LOL

All of mine loved killing chickens, moles and other small animals. They couldn't be trusted unattended around cats and small kids, either.

They go and keep going when left off leash. They also jump and climb high. You CAN train them to come when called but they do not "retain" that training as much as say a poodle, GSD or lab. They conveniently "forget" when it suits them, lol. 

Huskies are absolutely big old hams though! They love to talk to you and you can SEE when they're smiling on the inside. They can be aloof, yes but they love owners than love them. Watch out, they like to pull your hair ties off and bite your fanny when you bend over! LOL

You HAVE to be firm with them in training. Never let them think they have a chance to dominate you.

They are not bad dogs, just not good dogs around tempting situations.

And yes, they shed enough for a fur coat for you! LOL

As companions, huskies are grrrrrrrrrrreat! Around livestock ...not-so-much.

I used to breed them so know a lot about their behavior.