Chickens, time spent with and on them.

[tororider]

Hi, I am thinking about getting some chickens, 10 buff orps and 5 americaunas. Some of my family members are not as excited as I am. Here is the situation. The chickens will be at my house in a detached garage until they are ready to be in a coop/house and run by themselves. That will be at some property that my parents and I own about 30 minutes from my house. I have an almost 4 year old and an 11 month old who I thought would get a kick out of chickens and maybe learn a thing or two as well. I look forward to fresh eggs and maybe some meat.

After they are out at the property I would probably be out there every other day. With a large feeder and waterer that shouldn't be a problem. I know collecting eggs would be better every day, but I am not sure I will be out there that often, so I will have to make every other day work. Cleaning out the coop about once a week shouldn't be a problem.

Please give me advice, encouragement as to this situation. I would really like to do this, but if it isn't feasible then I can wait until we build out there. Thanks in advance!

 

[Katy]

I wouldn't enjoy my chickens nearly as much if I couldn't be out there with them several times a day. They also wouldn't be as tame and fun. I don't know where you're located, but if you're where it's cold in the winter you'll need to be able to give them fresh unfrozen water and gather the eggs so they don't freeze. When it's cold here I often have to give them new water a couple of times a day. Don't want to discourage you, but I think it would be better to wait until you are out there everyday.

 

[Redfeathers]

Chickens are easy. Clean the coop once a week, keep the water fresh and the feeder full and you are well on your way. Throw them some fresh veggies and table scraps for added nutrition. Once you have them you will be surprised at how easy and enjoyable they are. Do try to spend some time handling them and they will be more tame. I think chickens are far more easy then any other animal or pet I have ever had.

Good luck and have fun.

 

[Wynette]

In my opinion, it sounds like you really ought to wait until you can be on the property daily. If one was sick or became injured, you might not know about it until 48 hours after it happens, and that just wouldn't be fair to the chicken. We have a responsibility as animal owners to make sure they are cared for. That being said, they are definitely a lot of fun to have around, and look at it this way: waiting will give you lots of time to learn more about them, and decide which breeds will be best for what you want!

 

[Pelican49]

I'm kind of in the same boat myself. I have bought a property 50 miles from where I am now. My daughter's place is right across the road from where I will be. She could tend the chickens for me, but I want to raise them to know me.

I'd hoped to have this house sold and be out there this spring, but that's not going to happen. I'm just going to wait until next spring. It's hard to wait, but I'm spending the time drawing plans for the coop and run and choosing the breed(s) I want. And lots of time right here reading and picking up all kinds of tips.

 

[tororider]

Hrmm,
I talked to a neighbor of the property and he said I could trade him free eggs, as long as we have laying hens, for checking on/collecting eggs when I need him to. I would obviously try to be out there as much as possible. As of right now we live in the crowded suburbs, and I will be trying to get my kids out there this spring/summer/fall to play in some open fields, forest, etc. I was thinking this would be another reason to get my kids out there. Keep the opinions coming, I will truly take them to heart.

I will have them at my house like I said, from day old until 5-8 weeks, so them knowing me shouldn't be a problem.