I'm a newbie to chickens as this is my first year with a flock. I absolutely love hearing stories of time gone by eras and the way life used to be for hardworking Americans. My favorite books as a child were the Little House Series by Laura Ingalls Wilder. That said, I think that Old Timers should remember what it's like for anyone learning something new. Someone's new endeavor is often envisioned somewhat with a child's sense of wonderment and excitement as well as approached in a way rooted firmly in their own belief and values system. There are newbies that are focused on utilitarianism and that may be more acceptable to the Old Timers but for me, I didn't get into chickens for purely utilitarian reasons. I got into them to have as a hobby to enjoy, and yes, they are my pets. They bring me joy as any other hobby to any other person would, be it knitting, hunting, scrap booking, etc. and yes, my value system guides me as to how I care about these chickens I call pets. The dollar amount of the utilitarian chicken is irrelevant to me and my value system. For example, I care about things in general that are injured or sick and do my best to help within my means. This means that I may approach my hobby in this manner and it doesnt make me strange for doing so. In the small time I have had the privilege of owning my birds, I have had the honor of learning how to care for young chicks and watch them grow into healthy chickens and spent countless hours watching my chickens do "what chickens do". I am reaping rewards of this new hobby that can't be measured by a $ sign or a hearty chicken dinner (but fresh eggs sure are nice!) This is enough for me but may not be for others. I am truly thankful for the words of those who have more experience in chickens and have carefully heeded advice as such. My point here is that it is the person who raises the chicken that is important, not the chickens themselves. Great advice from those old Wise Ones can work for backyard pet hobbyists just as much as for those who see chickens solely as egg and meat producers. I hope people remember that.
