Things You Wish You Would Have Known?

[RodBrandt]

I am new to the forum and just learning. My wife has chickens and has taught me some things. But, I thought I would come here to get input from all of you, too.

I am doing research for a project and this is what I'd like to know: what are the "Things You Wish You Would Have Known?" (before you got chickens for the first time). Think back to when you first got your flock. What mistakes did you make? (Or see others make?)

Would appreciate your input. The more responses, the better - even if they are duplicates. Thanks in advance!

 

[Coopmom56]

That most pre-fab coops are not worth the money and are usually too small for the eventual flock you will have (although the one we bought did last long enough to get them into the coop/run we built a couple of months later)

 

[lazy gardener]

Just because you've gotten away with leaving the pop door open (into the run) for months without predator losses, that doesn't mean that a predator won't come along tomorrow night and wipe out your whole flock. Always secure your flock at night.

Brooding chicks with a heating pad, OUTDOORS, is far superior to using a heat lamp or brooding inside.

 

[Pork Pie]

1. Traditional ways of doing things (here in Africa) are not always the best
2. Deep litter means no daily cleaning of poo!
3. Take any advice one reads here on BYC (or anywhere, for that matter) with the knowledge that doing what works best for you and your flock is the most important
4. Be positive about the mistakes you make - just don't let them happen again!

CT

 

[ChickenLover200]

That straight run = mostly cockerels (for my dad)
That chickens are addicting (for me )
That chickens only laid one egg a day each, if even that... Cartoons distorted this thought...

And more I'll think of later...

 

[henlady777]

Wish some one told me they lay on their sides with feet up in the air lol
I thought I killed them !

 

[roosterboots]

Well, so far we have 7 back. A lady down the road brought one home. And I saw feathers on my porch so I know there was another one there. I am hopeful to find a couple more.

 

[Fat Tony]

I have been brooding in my workshop. I cannot believe how much dust they stir up. I have a fine coat of dust over everything now! When I move them out to the coop next week (if I can get it finished by then) I will have to pull everything out of my workshop to give it a good thorough cleaning top to bottom.

 

[Yorkshire Coop]

I wish I had known how much pleasure, joy and unconditional love they give!!
I would have got them so much sooner had I known this.

 

[Shezadandy]

... that local food banks and/or food pantries are in desperate need of eggs no matter the size.