That keeping chickens is like keeping a garden...there is ALWAYS something to weed, hoe, treat, correct, fix.
I cried buckets when my first coop burned to the ground and we lost all our newly laying hens (hens flying up to roost knocked over a flood lamp); So...we rebuilt and went to the natural broody method so no more heat lamps on extension cords.
I kicked myself blue when I brought in a 6 month old hen of a breed I coveted and she shared IB with the rest of the flock. I learned Isolation means at least 100 feet and downwind...IB carried across the yard on the wind to infect whole flock. Lost one hen; will have to cull another. I will never buy another older bird. I will only purchase day old chicks from reputable hatcheries or fertile eggs to brood under my broodies.
The constant ongoing battle with rats for the grain and hawks for the chickens. I've got traps out for rats; hawk netting up for hawks.
You get them laying good....and then they aren't....so you worm, fix better food, read up on how to improve their production. Get fresh chicks going to refresh the flock that is aging.
And if you want to sell eggs, you have to be within FDA/USDA approved meds and dewormers. So you read a lot....a LOT.
But I wouldn't change it...I simply have learned to accept the fact that while chickens are FUN...they are work...and it is still work I enjoy, so I have them.
When you get a basket of your home grown eggs, all big and beautiful and full of color...there is such satisfaction. I LOVE giving baskets of my eggs to friends for house warming gifts...and they love getting them. And those silly little raptors bring such entertainment to the backyard.
Lady of McCamley
