Convincing Parents to Get Chickens

Okay, so the whole chicken thing went way downhill. I was going to keep them with my neighbors, but that didn't work out. And now my parents are saying they don't even want chickens after all (they were very open to it, so I got my hopes up...)
Previously, I had talked to my parents about keeping chickens in our own yard. We're building a greenhouse in the spring, so I drew up a plan (for my mom) on building a coop onto the greenhouse. That way, the chickens could have a space to run in the winter (there would be some sort of "wall" between the hens and the plants). There would be an outdoor run as well, using an old dog pen, so that cuts off some cost. So, as I mentioned earlier, my parents have suddenly taken the other side on me owning chickens. I obviously want to respect their word, but I was wondering if there was any information I could present to them that might help convince them? (I already have the costs, breeds, coop/run plan, hatchery, even a co-owner)This will be in the spring/summer anyways, but I want to get started and have hope- I fell in love with all these chickens and the whole idea of it (I've always wanted to live on a farm)and now it's not looking very good for that. I already own a dog, 2 budgies, and a horse (but she's at a stable). My parents know I'm responsible, they just said they don't want any more animals-though they were talking about animals in the house and chickens would be outside. My mom is really into fresh, organic food, so I tried convincing her that the fresh eggs were worth it....So, yeah, I'm pretty bummed. Thanks for listening to my chicken dilemma

If all else fails have you thought about doing something with your school? Lots of schools these days are into teaching kids sustainability and all that and are keeping chickens as part of it. Maybe see if there is a teacher there into environmental stuff that might be interested in helping get it up and running.

I know you are disappointed. You mentioned you were going to keep chickens at the neighbor's house. Do they have a coop? Do they already have chickens? If they do, then maybe you could help them with the daily chicken chores. This will give you experience and a better perspective of what will need to be done everyday. Depending on their setup, water needs to be filled and checked daily. Feeders filled. Feeders and waterers need to be cleaned atleast week, usually more - chickens make a mess. Poop boards and under the roosts (IMO) need to be scooped and cleaned daily. If they have a run, once a week raking and cleaning (scoop under exterior roosts more often-this helps with the weekly chore). Let them out every morning and round them up and lock them up every night. Rake, scoop and fluff up their bedding a couple of times a week. See if they will let you do this for several weeks?
This will help you determine if it's something you want to pursue.

Wyorp Rock said:

I know you are disappointed. You mentioned you were going to keep chickens at the neighbor's house. Do they have a coop? Do they already have chickens? If they do, then maybe you could help them with the daily chicken chores.
This will help you determine if it's something you want to pursue.

Click to expand...

Yes- my neighbors have 4 hens in a coop. I helped them deep-clean the coop and de-mite their chickens last week. And, like I said, I have 2 birds so I do know somewhat what goes into taking care of birds (even though they're smaller). I'm not afraid to get my hands dirty and poop doesn't bug me (which is good b/c I clean bird cages a lot, scoop my dog's poop, and work at the stable mucking out stalls and paddocks) I will talk to my parents and neighbors and look into helping with daily chores. Thanks for the advice!