Chickens aren’t eating chicken feed

[tlcmurphy]

I’m very sorry. Can you take them? You can always improve the coop later, and you bought everything else!
This isn’t your fault, you’re a good person for caring for them

 

[Baruch]

The uncle said they will keep the chickens until they have chicks…THEN they will get rid of them. They just want to show their kids the chicken reproduction process.

I explained to him that the rooster will get them in trouble with the city: he will crow at 3-4am and disturb the neighbors.

I spoke to both my uncle and my aunt and explained how their actions hurt me.

 

[NatJ]

I need to vent.

My uncle’s family came back from their week trip, and my uncle said he’s going to get rid of the chickens by letting them free in downtown Miami (we have stray chickens there).

Why the heck did he make me take care of his chickens for a week if he’s just going to throw them outside?!?!

Now I got attached to these chickens. Grrrr. I knew this was going to happen, and I specifically told my aunt that if they’re planning on getting rid of the chickens regardless, why put me through the labor and effort????

God. I’m so pissed. My aunt called me the day before she left, asking if she should dump her chickens outside because she felt bad for asking me to care for them.

I asked her, if you’re already planning on dumping the chickens, why should I watch them for 7 days?!? She said she felt bad to ask me to watch them, so she’d get rid of her kid’s pet chickens.

I said, if you are already with one foot out the door, why put me through the effort. I know my family. They’ve done this crap before.

I literally bought them chick food and bedding and researched so much. My uncle wanted to pay me back, but I can’t ask money from family.

I’m pissed. Furious. So inconsiderate. I was explaining him about caring for them, and he just blurted out how they’re too messy for his kids, so he’s gonna let them go.

That is a very frustrating situation!

Since you already decided you do not want to have chickens of your own at present, maybe help find the chickens a different home? Just dumping them doesn't sound like a good idea to me. Of course you are free to decide you do want chickens, and then take on these, but I don't think you should be pushed to do that if you already considered it and made a decision not to.

 

[tlcmurphy]

The uncle said they will keep the chickens until they have chicks…THEN they will get rid of them. They just want to show their kids the chicken reproduction process.

I explained to him that the rooster will get them in trouble with the city: he will crow at 3-4am and disturb the neighbors.

I spoke to both my uncle and my aunt and explained how their actions hurt me.

So they’re going to dump a bunch of chickens, not just 2

 

[NatJ]

So they’re going to dump a bunch of chickens, not just 2

Unless they decide to show their children another important thing that often happens to chickens: they die and get eaten (butchering.)

Personally, I would rather they butcher the chickens than dump them.
Whether that is traumatic for the children will depend on how it is presented to them, and how they relate to the chickens at the time. Kids who are already bored with the chickens might think it's different and exciting to learn about butchering, or they might not care at all. Kids who are emotionally close to the chickens are obviously going to take it differently.

 

[tlcmurphy]

I would rather that as well.

 

[Baruch]

I would love to have the buff Orpington hen. I need to research more on how I can make it work.

On my way to work, I snapped a picture of these wild chickens.

I don’t know how they survive. Are those heat tolerant breeds? I know the picture isn’t the best since I was in the car.

I live in Miami Beach, FL.

They would give me the hen if I asked for it. I wouldn’t take the rooster for obvious reasons.

 

[Cpgrnwd]

I’m no expert but I have been following along. Keeping one hen isn’t advised I think the smallest group I have seen discussed is 3. I’m really sorry you are going through this!

In Illinois people list chickens and small set ups on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. Perhaps you could find someone interested in adding your 2 to their flock.

 

[Baruch]

I’m no expert but I have been following along. Keeping one hen isn’t advised I think the smallest group I have seen discussed is 3. I’m really sorry you are going through this!

In Illinois people list chickens and small set ups on Craigslist and Facebook marketplace. Perhaps you could find someone interested in adding your 2 to their flock.

3 would be my ideal number. I just have to make sure I can provide the best care before I commit. I love chickens and animal welfare. I like to spoil my pets.

 

[Cpgrnwd]

I understand! I started last year with 6, had to rehome a rooster, added a few (found in Craiglist) lost one of the originals to a reproductive infection, added 4 more this spring. I need to increase my covered run and keep it under 15. I think I can I think I can