The Old Folks Home

Wisher1000 · Jul 28, 2012

I was searching for a thread that I could relate to. I noticed that the really active threads were the kids' threads. That's fine, but I really enjoy chatting with people my age (old.) Then I noticed the active state threads, but MY state's thread is hit or miss. I love the hatch-alongs and the swaps but those can be sporadic.

I really wanted to find a thread where anything and everything (within BYC rules) can be thrown out and other middle aged folks could relax and enjoy each others company. I want to have a thread where we can keep up with old BYC friends, and make new ones.

If that appeals to you, regardless of your age, please subscribe!

cupman · Jul 28, 2012

Those darn kids still won't keep off my lawn!

Wisher1000 · Jul 28, 2012

I see you lurking there!

Okay, lets start a discussion. I have 45 or so chickens and three guineas. I want everything else I see, goats, geese, llamas, donkeys. I am conflicted between my love of my animals and the concessions my family has to make for me to have them. There is the time I must devote to them, the money I spend that could be put elsewhere and the emotional attachment I develope. Is there anyone else who worries that they are not being fair to the rest of the clan?

cupman · Jul 28, 2012

Well I am young so I will just post this last thing and leave your topic to the older variety of BYCers but I am with you. I have around 45 birds, 4 guineas, 3 turkeys, rest are chickens. It really can be a burden on two fronts. First of all it can be expensive feeding such a big flock, my birds go through nearly 100lbs/week on feed. Second is the responsibility factor, there's always got to be someone home to help our turkey with leg problems climb into the coop and then to lock them up at night.. heavy raccoons and coyotes in my area. It can really be a bummer when we want to go out to the bar or go down to the river at night... have to wait until bed time for my birds and in the summer it can be as late as 8:30.

drumstick diva · Aug 15, 2018

Okay. I've been trying to get Sourland on here.No luck. I wanted to dedicate the 100,000 post to him. He encouraged me to go for it. Sour has been a good friend for years, has never gotten angry with me, lost patience with me, or tried to rush me along when I needed to talk to him. He has dispensed good advice, and even taught me some big vocabulary words. I know Sour is like that to everyone.

Sour this one is for you. :hugs

Wisher1000 · Jul 28, 2012

caspernc said:
My kids think I'm replacing them with chickens and goats and such. Maybe I am, OH well. I come into the house when they are around.

I have 30 chickens and only use around 100 pounds of food a month! What kind of food are you using? Better food lasts longer because they eat less.

Have your kids moved out? If so, why shouldn't you replace the companionship and feelings of being needed with something you enjoy!? I have one grown daughter and she doesn't "get" the chickens but that doesn't bother me at all. I have three at home and its the time and money away from them that I sometimes wonder about. I think it is healthy to explore your own interests and having a hobby is healthy. I just may be over-doing it a bit too soon! It's not a big deal to my family. I just wonder....... I can't wait to change and get out to the coop in the afternoon after work. I would MUCH rather be there with the birds than inside listening to kids quarrel, my husband fuss at them, and the tv blare. I NEED that time to relax, wind down after work, and relieve stress. I know that I have a thousand things that need to be done and I sometimes feel guilty that I don't make them a priority, but you know, the chickens and one dance class a week are the only things I do for myself. There are TONS of things I do for everyone else around here!

I use about 50# layer pellets a week in the winter and 50# a month in the summer. That amount grows in the fall and falls off in the spring. I also use starter occasionally and cracked corn for treats. My birds free range all day and are locked in safe at night.