Am I doing this again?

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Nola_Chick

Nola_Chick

In the Brooder
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Feb 17, 2025
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I raised 6 chickens, four dogs, two cats and mealworms years ago, and loved them all. I had a bad accident and did not walk for a long time, and really could not take care of everyone and my huge yard anymore, so I downsized. Here I am now, walking again, but not very agile, and thinking about maybe getting 2 or 3 chickens again. I remember it was a lot of work, but worth it. I had huge oak trees which provided my chickens shelter from the heat during the day. Where i am now is a much smaller yard with no trees. I almost bought a chicken coop today, but I am not sure if I am up to caring for them now. I'm about to turn 65 and don't get around so well. I only work part time, but I take longer to recuperate than I used to. I'd love to have chicks again, but I'm struggling with this decision.

My profile picture is one of my chickens watching the mealworms in their bins - Chicken TV, lol. They sure did love those mealworms! Those birds had such a good personality! When they were tiny, my 5# toy poodle Bella thought she was their mom. When the chickens were older and twice Bella's size, she would try to take their treats and they would go after her. It was pretty funny to watch. If I was not outside for a while, the chickens would come look inside the sliding door to see what we were up to, lol. I'm surprised they never followed the others in through the pet door. They sure did make life fun!

I loved being surrounded by my critters, and I am still a homebody. I now have one dog and two cats, all gentle souls who I think would be curious to have chicks around. Anyway, my friends call me Chickie, and the name actually had nothing to do with my chickens. I'll be poking around and trying to make a decision as to whether I'm going to raise chickens again or not. Do any of you grow plants for your flock? If so, what and why? I'm near New Orleans, and it gets pretty hot down here, so I don't know what would be good for me yet. YouTube has a lot of information about plants to avoid all of the processed grains and feed your chickens in a more natural and healthy way. I know how I am... if I get back into this, I'll be breeding mealworms and growing plants for my girls.
 
Welcome to the site, and I hope you'll give chickens another shot!

Whenever I have a flock going, I find myself working physically harder, spending more time outside, and generally improving my health. Nevermind the mental health benefits of spending time with them.

I grow herbs (rosemary, lemon balm, etc.) and marigolds for mine, right outside the pen. Aside from that, I'll share stuff from our garden.

I know this is worst-case scenario talk, but if you did find the care was too overwhelming, it wouldn't be hard to rehome young hens. Like I said, I hope you'll go for it! :)
 
:welcome

Hi Chickie, glad to have you here! I found this article in the Learning Center about growing herbs for a flock...it seems a lot of them would do fine in pots in the house if you want to keep them out of the heat: Top 50 Herbs for Your Chickens

You might want to post on your state thread to find out what other gardeners/flock keepers grow in your climate: Louisiana

If you have questions, always feel free to post in the forums. Thanks for joining us!
 
Welcome to BYC! It sounds like chickens are definitely in your future. Whether it is sooner, or later, you will know when the time is right. And it will be the right decision. Perhaps you can get things set up for them, so when you see the right chickens, you will be ready. Best wishes for your continued recovery.
 

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