Covid-panic-induced chicken keeping?

[member 569347]

For me, COVID-19 was a good excuse to have an amazing science project with my family and an outcome that will help us and the neglected city pond bordering property. We bought fertilized Pekin duck eggs to incubate. Our future ducks will be our egg providers, our lawn aerators, our pond algae cleaners, and the tick/mosquito killers! It also gave me an outlet for DIY construction since no side job out of the home could be done.

 

[Moose Antler]

I am not sure if I am right, but I’ve begun to see an increase in the number of people buying chicks who are woefully unprepared to care for chickens in the long run. They seem to be worried about not having access to eggs or meat for a few weeks so they make a huge monetary investment and buy animals when they don’t actually want to take on the massive lifestyle change of chicken keeping.
This is a years-long investment and they’re doing it for a few weeks of worry? I worry for the level of care the animals are receiving based on the reason for their purchase.

I feel that is true here too. I have talked to my local animal shelter and animal control officer. Abandoned, unwanted, surrendered chickens are welcome at my little chicken ranch! I dont know how it will play out, but I know I can properly care for them if needed......

 

[mscallisto]

I was just thinking this today? I've kept chickens for 10 years and have always been able to find chicks. Last week a raccoon got my 4 month old light brahma, so I thought to myself, self, why don't you see if any pullets are for sale so you csn get one that's close to the age of the rest of the flock. Last year raccoons decimated my flock so I was starting over. Anyways, went to trusty craigslist because I've gotten pullets through there before. Nada. Then searched feed stores. Zilch. Then searched the internet. Found one place out east that had pullets. 20 bucks a bird. Well, I really wanted to replace mine so I though if the shipping isn't bad I'll order. 100 bucks shipping! Needless to say, there will be no brahma in my flock this year. Maybe next year?

 

[Tytsofie]

Farm kids with 22 years of poultry life and I see what your saying! On my weekly drop in to TSC I almost see no chicks their brooders. On one hand, I pray to God that all of those babies are going to good homes who will care for them, do their research, invest in them, and enjoy chickens for all their worth. But on the other hand, there is good in this. Chickens especially can bring families together, it can take a village to build a coop and be attentive caretakers for the chicks as they grow. In a time like this, Americans need that quality family time! No phones, no crap, just scrapin poop and filling water and feeders together. I hope at least one person or family out there can find a love for poultry in a time like this.

 

[LizzzyJo]

Farm kids with 22 years of poultry life and I see what your saying! On my weekly drop in to TSC I almost see no chicks their brooders. On one hand, I pray to God that all of those babies are going to good homes who will care for them, do their research, invest in them, and enjoy chickens for all their worth. But on the other hand, there is good in this. Chickens especially can bring families together, it can take a village to build a coop and be attentive caretakers for the chicks as they grow. In a time like this, Americans need that quality family time! No phones, no crap, just scrapin poop and filling water and feeders together. I hope at least one person or family out there can find a love for poultry in a time like this.

So there is -some- crap, then

 

[HomesteaderWife]

I think it’s caused a lot of panic-buying of birds BUT...I say worrying on behalf of what someone has already done can’t help so let’s just continue to be a welcoming BYC community and educate newcomers to the best of our ability. Helping folks learn about proper care and continuing to educate through articles and forum posts is great. I see so many new members who had come via Googling questions all the time and being directed to BYC. I hope this helps- it’s just my personal thoughts.

 

[Neggative]

there is always going to be somebody who gets chickens and unknowingly does them more harm than good. but the main percentage will do some research and learn how to care for them and what they need and there chickens will be fine... thanks to covid theres more of both...

 

[Chickamams]

I try to think that everyone has a different reason. Some people have serious health conditions and are unable to leave the house at all even with an N95 there are risks. As a licensed health care professional, I know the dangers first hand all too well; until we get an a vaccine some individuals may not survive. Going over a week without being able to get food for my children was a horrible experience. Having fresh eggs is a life saver. For many, it’s not easy to get food as there are many people who can’t wait in lines from lack of daycare, working 14-15 hours a day, or financial constraints. There will always be people who don’t take proper care of their children, pets, or themselves, but I hope since chickens give back a food source with amazing nutrients that many will respect the bird that feeds them. Sites like this have helped me so much so I am grateful, not panicked, but prepared.

 

[Conan]

I think a majority of folks getting chickens for the first time due to this unprecedented situation are those that always wanted them to begin with. Based on the number of new members on this site looking to do the right thing, I think that this is a positive thing. Getting in touch with where your food comes from is fantastic, and I'm all for it.

The concept of screening for owning chickens is worrisome. This would only impact individual owners, not massive meat, and egg corps that blow through birds like crazy. These birds hardly live ideal lives, but they are the main supplier of meat and eggs at the grocery store. Applying screening is something that I see getting out of control fairly quickly if the private dog adoption business is any indication. While I understand that the intention is good, I can't see it going anywhere good.

Happy to see lots of new chicken owners asking great questions and looking to learn. Props to the BYC community for being there to answer those questions and help as needed!

 

[Clearwater Chicken]

Yup, just like we all did when we were new. Just lots more newbies at once this year.

Very true

Whatever we go back to as a normal, is likely not going to be what we had ending a couple months ago.

I agree whatever we go back to will potentially be very different

As our travel restrictions came into play, I sold a dozen laying hens very easy. The money was used to purchase over two months worth of feed. Now I reversed myself and switched eggs from table use to hatching. If chicks are in short supply as mine start to hatch, then we will sell some.

I hatched chicks and tried to sell them... took a couple weeks. I also am considering next year converting my flock into one dual purpose breed for egg shells and meat, either black australorps or speckled sussex