Anybody regret getting more birds?

[Flufnstuffs~FluffySilkies]

YES

I started out with 6 silkies.
I now have 60 Adults 24 chicks and 4 dozen eggs in the incubator.

I only plan on keeping 6 or less of the youngsters, and the rest will be sold
but it is hard getting rid of babies.

Hatching is addicting.
This is what I tell people now

Pick a max number of birds in your head that you will stop at in the begining and stick with that #.

NEVER LET YOUR HOBBY BECOME WORK. "It takes all the joy out of it"

 

[Picco]

NEVER LET YOUR HOBBY BECOME WORK. "It takes all the joy out of it"

Flufnstuffs, I totally agree. Several years ago I started out with a handful of hens and added a few more hear and there but never really had many more than 10. Those years were great and my birds were so friendly and it was a lot of fun caring for them. I then expanded and taking care of a few dozen birds became more work than fun. I decided to scale back and things have been great. I now like having extra space because I can always add on. I think adding slowly is better because you don't get overwhelmed. It also gives you the time to discover other breeds. I like the idea of being able to add on without having to sell what I already have. This spring I will try a few more breeds.

I think a lot of beginners make the mistake of buying a whole order of 50 chicks from a hatchery. With so many birds at once its easier to encounter problems and they soon become overwhelmed. I recommend starting small and expanding as your knowledge grows.

Adding a few more birds is a great idea and shouldn't disrupt your flock all that much.​

 

[Queen of the Lilliputians]

My only real regret, I suppose, is starting off with only 3 breeds (all avail at the feedstore). I ordered 10, and those girls are amazing layers, but I sort of decided I'd stop between 15-18.. I think that is plenty, especially since we have eggs IN SPADES. So with that 10, I could only add another 5 or so.

But if I had just gotten say 6, then I could have added other breeds to go with them. I'd love to have a really mixed flock (I think a mixed flock is BEAUTIFUL!). I still am adding, but have stuck to bantams (hey they are 2 for 1 RIGHT? LOL!) Right now I am at.. 17 total (with at least 1 cockeral that needs processing, but he seems to be behaving himself so far). I have some eggs in the bator, but not very many. I'm horrible, I'd have at least one of every breed (and 1 of every breed of roo also) if I had space and time.

Meghan

 

[kstaven]

I winter over 120 chickens and will have over 400 during the summer. Yes, it requires some work and planing. Do I regret it? NO. I have the space, and can commit the time to do it.

Everyone is different and you will find some that can handle 100's without issue because it is there passion. While others would feel overwhelmed by 10 or more.

Asking for opinions is a good starting point. But in the end it is a very individual decision.

 

[nccatnip]

I started out very slowly in chickens, did about a year of research and read everything I could get my hands on. Then found a breeder and bought 18. I then found a cheap bator and got it. Hatched a few game birds for practice and sold them. In Sept, I hatched some chicks and ordered from hatcheries and wound up with about 50+ chicks. Hatched more- now close to 90 chickens, ready for sale.
It has been a good experience, never regreted it- yet. With alot of planning and education, you can make it work so it will not be overwhelming.

 

[Scrambled Egg]

I just regret that I don't have a farm so that I could have as many chcikens as most of you all do!! In urbania/neighborhood city, I worry all the time about the noise mine make laying eggs so I definately have plenty for where I live...if I lived in a rural area I would have chickens everywhere!!!

 

[horsewishr]

Good to hear such encouraging news. I definitley don't want more than 12 or 14, when all's said and done. If I bring my total up to 7 next year, I'll be satisfied with those until the laying slows down quite a bit. But I want to make sure that my buying doesn't outpace the natural lifespan of the birds. They'll all have homes until they die a natural death.

I'm still a little bit concenrned about the new ones being picked on--or about disrupting the flock dyanmaics. Does anybody have regrets in that department??

 

[Wynette]

Well written/said, Picco!
I only have 7 now, but will soon be getting a few more. I work full time and also have another hobby that demands much of my spare time (horses). I've really enjoyed the chickens - much more than I even thought I would! For me, I think the key is in planning ahead. Prepare, and I don't think you'll feel overwhelmed. Educate yourself and ask questions - this is the best place to learn!

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

I could not say. I have mine seperated for now till spring. I will let you know in spring if I have regrets in that area

I dont have a total number of chickns to keep. I a just going to get my eggs on here from a few people "only 3 sets left". Then thats it.

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Regarding wanting/regretting more birds, I currently have 5 Buff Orps.

I would LOVE to have other breeds, but I have to work full-time, and what I regret is not being able to spend quality time with the 5 chickens I have. What would I do with MORE? Just feel worse...

So I've decided to just be happy with 5 girls who all look the same, but are enough for me.