Anyone ever criticize you about having to many animals...

[vstoltzfus]

Me, too! When I didn't participate in a "massage day" with my sisters because I was saving money for a coop, they started giving me a hard time. Yet they want eggs! They always tell me how well my kids act around adults, but hassle me for homeschooling and "keeping my kids away from their peers." They think I should work (outside the home) so I'll have more money, but tell me they're envious of me having command of my time, and living a stress free life. Can't figure them out. But I don't have to.

 

[PineappleMama]

Quote:
So... are you going to adopt me or what?

 

[chickensioux]

Just my friends, family and neighbors. I have one dear friend, The Old Rebel, who lives like I do. I thank my lucky stars to have her to talk to and share our animal triumphs and troubles.

 

[AhBee01]

I get it too! My SIL, thinks we are sick that we eat our pets, I tell her they are not pets! We get teased, and yet most want the eggs! Our neighbors got chickens after we did, goats too! Another neighbor got some chickens after we gave them some excess eggs! Yet another neighbor who was new around here, came and seeked us out to pick our brains about our birds and ducks. My SIL, lives across the street, and has called to police on me when my ducks got loose and went on her property. Doesn't happen often but it can, no one else cares, not even my brother, but she hates us and my animals.We also grow a garden, and put up food, she thinks it costs to much money and to much time, yet never turned down anything I was willing to give them. We don't share with them much now, we had a falling out, that is hard to get over, but I do try. She is a grudge holder not me, I'm very forgiving.
I don't care what anyone says, we must be doing something right if so many neighbors are following suit!
We even got together and raised a few pigs, at a neighbors sons house! We didn't have proper room and board for the pigs at the time or it would have been here!
So keep your chin up, and enjoy the fruits of your labor, cuz when the crap hits the fan, you will not go hungry, and will be able to provide food for your family, then they will truly see!
BTW I hope you included Muscovy ducks in your meat duck choice, the are very lean and taste like beef. Very good grilled! Tastes like steak! PM me if you want to know more! You might already know,but thought I'd put it out there just in case! Have a great day!

 

[Sugar Sand Farm]

I get it too My sister can't understand why we have the animals but its ok for her to have 6 cats. My daughterin law takes the meat but always says I dont want to know how you got it. I athink they are just jealous We live a simple life but a happy one Yes we are tired at night but its a good tired. I laugh at all the problems my sister has ie stomach,stress,colon I try to tell her its the way she lives and eats but she cant understand hwo I can eat a chicken I raised or a pig or cow. I tell her to keep buying that junk from China or South America and see who lives longer and healthier.

 

[stephys_fluffybutts]

Everybody. But I choose to ignore them

 

[OccamsTazer]

I get that crap sometimes, but fortunately not too much. Most of my family knows that I'm a biologist and critters are just part of who I am, and generally if they pester me it's for stories and pictures. They hate that I eat my birds, but while they quietly think I'm mean, I quietly think they're hypocrites, and then we go to lunch together

SO's family are also pretty supportive, Cajuns can always be counted on to not be shocked by the grittier side of life!

The question that BURNS MY TOAST is, "So how many dogs do you have NOW?"
For a few years, I was really involved in the stray dog rescue circuit, and so I had my two permanent dogs, and a revolving door of third dogs. They'd come in all wrecked and broken, spend some time healing physically while my two dogs healed them psychologically, and then they'd get adopted. No one seemed to understand this, everyone seemed to think that I was just an animal collecter who gave away dogs when I got bored. Then the SO claimed one of my foster dogs. Then dad died and (of course) I kept his puppy. So, I do not foster anymore, because four is entirely enough

I think the question makes me angry because it implies that I'm a hoarder nut who doesn't value my dogs as individuals. Grrrr.

And for the record, I knew my SO was "the one" way back when he told me that he'd ALSO had an orphaned flying squirrel as a childhood pet, where else ya gonna find that?

 

[MagsC]

I forgot to mention this. My family really thought I was gone looney when I bottlefed a baby brown bat.

I also get the "How many dogs do you have NOW?" question and resent it as well. Yes, we have our own dogs but for a long time took in the abused/neglected/abandoned, got them back on their feet, attempted to find the best homes possible for them etc.
I have an uncle that I see maybe once or twice a year and he ALWAYS asks that question.

 

[PineappleMama]

Wow AhBee, that's awesome!

Not about your sister (boy do I hear you there) but about your neighbors not only being understanding, but WANTING to educate themselves. It's so nice to see that happen. People wanting to NOT be ignorant. It's a beautiful thing, and it's awesome that you're willing to help them learn. And to come together as a community and do a project that all help on, and all benefit from... that's just a DREAM!! I wish more people were like you and your neighbors!

 

[AhBee01]

Thanks, it is so cool! I just wish everyone was on the same page we are on, but that is life! I never force my views on people, if they ask, we will talk! A lot of people stop by to pet the goats, when we have them out, then they tell us they admire our garden from afar! We don't think it is all that big, but I guess it is bigger than most around here!( We pack it full, in the space we have) We share and grow to much on purpose so we can give some away! If someone stops by to admire, they leave with an armful! Then come back the next year and let us know what they planted! We just wish we had more room to grow more, and more property to have a cow and raise some beef. We looked into the Mini cows, but way out of budget! Maybe someday. We still get teased, but I don't care, we just say will will start charging admission to our petting zoo!
We have even had a man stop to ask for chicken poop!