debating the dive into chickens, HELP!!!

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Well, I hope you didn't think I was being critical. Obviously, what works for you is what you should do. And I am most certainly NOT OCD, probably a bit of a slob, also old and without a lot of energy any more. I was just trying to show the OP some cheaper alternatives, since money seems to be the obstacle.

I had the opposite experience, tried pine shavings in the nests to avoid keeping two types of beddings, and out they went onto the floor, even with barriers along the bottom. So I went back to hay, which they leave alone.

Chickens. Sigh.

oh no! not at all!!
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Who knew chicken could be so particular!!
 
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Thank you to all who have given advice! We live in Western Washington near Puget Sound so our summers usually have about one week above 90 and winters are wishy washy, a few years ago we had a deep freeze for a week where we dipped into the double negatives and this year it has simply been wet. I have a teenage sister that may be able to house sit while we are gone for travels but it is not a definite. My biggest fear is that we jump into this and then realize in 6-8 months that we either are out of time or money. But I do have a couple months for a final decision so we will see what time brings us. Anyone with more comments or ideas are welcome and thank you again for your insight and help.

MaybeMaybe
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I am right above you in BC.
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Think of WHY you want chickens. For cheap eggs? For meat? For fun/entertainment/educational? Financially a small flock will not eat you out of house and home, but neither will they contribute a lot of money.

Think of HOW OFTEN you will need to leave them. They are ok for a few days, maybe. Do you have someone to watch them when you go?

Think of the set up. Your start up is nearly free, you say. What about fences? Do you have free ranging area? Fenced area? Any predators? Do you have a feed store nearby? Access to hay/shavings?

All in all a few chickens are very low maintenance, really. If you are home, it is not much more work that feeding a cat or dog. And you get tasty breakfasts.
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If you change your mind in a year, you can always turn your flock in to stew. Or pass them on.
 
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from Ohio
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FWIW, we have friends that are happy to come look after our hens for a few days now and then, just for all the free eggs.
 
Welcome from Northern California.
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Having chickens does take a commitment but then so does having any pets. My chickens give me eggs and I can put their poop in the garden. Not so with my dogs.
 
I have thoroughly enjoyed my chickens, but then, I don't get to travel any more. Not because of the chickens, because of the dogs and parrots. The chickens have been the easiest pets I have ever owned, by far. A (responsible) neighborhood kid would be thrilled to help and earn $5 bucks and eggs for watching them for you. If you don't know of any close by, contact the local high school FFA dept or 4H group for help.

No, my chickens don't make me any money, but there's a real sense of satisfaction when I make home grown deviled eggs for pot lucks at work or for holidays with the family.
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I also love the looks on coworkers faces when they catch me eating a hard boiled green egg. lol

oops, forgot to add:
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