Did others think you were crazy?

[Chickadee28]

I have been wanting to get a few hens for awhile now. I have read a few books, looked at coop designs, checked the local animal laws and so on. I posted on the coop design forum and I have some good ideas about what I want. Anyway, my family thinks I have lost my mind. "Why in the world would I want to own such filthy disgusting things?" My MIL insisted that I call my pediatrician before I would even think about getting them, she is just sure that they could give my kids some awful disease. My husband's uncle, a dairy farmer, thought I was insane, told my husband that they smell awful, are mean and would be a total pain to take care of, and our neighbors would be furious with us. We live on a 1/2 acre lot in a rural subdivision. I am wondering why everyone is so negative about this. Currently we have 3 dogs(2boxers and a chihuahua) and three cats. I take excellent care of our pets and I would plan to do the same with the chickens. I am a stay at home mom, and while I am busy, I feel I have the time to take care of a few hens. My husband is resisting this whole thing because of everyone else's negativity. I really feel like what is the big deal? I want a few chickens, not the end of the world right ? Anyway, just looking for some stories of how chickens have added to your lives and didn't give your child some horrible disease

 

[okiechick57]

Oh geesh......... all you can say to tell them is .........wait till you see ! My grandchildren are healthy and LOVE my birds. they pet , hold,love,kiss on them........no disease yet

as for stinky? well kids can get quite stinky if left alone......same with anykind of animal.........so you won't be letting them go stinky if you do not let your other pets go ! Ignore all but hubby, you have to live with him........just tell him to let you try it and soon he will LOVE them like you. my kids gave me a hard time.........they still laugh at me.......I don't care...they ask about my flock now....and love when I add to it...... good luck, I hope you are able to get some........they are awesome to own

 

[Buff Hooligans]

Most of the negative comments I got were from older people. Two of them had spent summers on midwest farms when they were young, and must remember a big farm situation where chickens stunk and roosters attacked.

Most of the people my age (late 40's) just thought it was cute.

Don't let the negative comments phase you. You know you're going to keep them clean and cared for, and that your children will not "catch" anything. (The germs amongst their classmates are more dangerous than having farm animals!)

 

[texaschickmama]

Well, like I was told on this forum, they will give your kids a terrible disease. It is called the chicken itch and it is highly contagious and addicting. You will want more, and more chickens.

Just kidding. I told my husband that I would never have chickens, EVER. Long story short, I love taking care of them, watching them grow, waiting for the eggs, everything about them. My kids love them too. We have two really nice little pullets that sleep in my lap when I go out to visit them and give them their daily treats. We love it, I can't even tell you what it has added to our lives, A LOT. We live on 10 acres and don't have neighbors that we can see. You just have to be careful and not get the neighbors upset with you. Definately no roos. How many chickens are you allowed to own in your area? The smell from a few hens (2-3) would not even constitute not getting them. I have 15, and their coop doesn't smell bad. I rake it out and use DE in there and you can't smell it. Good luck in your chicken ventures.

 

[FluffyChickenMama]

have you ever seen the places a dog puts his tongue and then comes up and licks your child?? My nephew is terrified of dogs but adores my chickens.. hes 4.. he has carried and played with and even had them on his head.. never made him sick.. my daugther has played with them.. Of course jsut as with any animal you want to make sure they wash their hands etc after playing with them.. I admit though they can eat some nasty stuff.. But theres a peacefulness that comes with watching chickens range that you dont get from watching dogs flop in the yard.. I love my dogs.. but they just aint peaceful to watch.. Alot of ppl dont realize that chickens do have personalities of their own.. they just see them as food and egg producers.. but dont be discouraged.. chickens make great pets..

Oh yea.. and the chickens wont smell as bad as the cows do...

 

[Lunachick]

First - have fun picking out your hens!

Second - Have your hubby check out this site. With all the info and feedback, I'm sure he would "get it".

 

[debashan]

When I foung out I could have chix where I live, I got very excited and started to plan for the flock. I also live in Western Ill. in a normal, fairly rural neighborhood and there are quite a few people with chickens. My chix are strictly pets that lay eggs and spending time with them is one of my favorite past times. I find them low-maintenance and inexpensive as far as hobbies go. I have 2 roos, but 0 complaints from anyone, everyone around seems to enjoy them as well. I have 11 started pullets. 6 Salmon Faverolles, 3 Standard Partridge Cochins and 2 Lt. Brahmas all are laying and very pretty, true to their breed, extremely healthy and well-socialized. If you get the okay, I would be willing to let you have 2-3 hens. I wanted a flock of 6-8, I ordered from Cackle, who had a min. order of 15, got 17 and have sold a trio of Brahmas. Love them they way they are, but wouldn't be opposed to trimming back, to the right family. He may be more interested if they are already laying and "earning their keep" try that one on him. Good luck and have fun, it has definately enriched our life. Debbie

 

[arlee453]

Everyone already thinks I'm more or less batty, so a few chickens just completes the pic for me

Seriously though, I think people have this idea that a few chickens present the same issues as the 1000s of chickens in a production farm's henhouse. They are no smellier or messier than a dog, IMO, if you don't get too many in a small area.

They really are great fun and they are pets with benefits... eggs! If you were looking for us to dissuade you, you've come to the wrong place! We're all chicken-a-holics and are just going to enable you all we can!

Just don't get any roosters if you have close neighbors - hens are much quieter and less agressive, generally. You can order small batches of pullets (females) only day old chicks from these two websites (as well as others) The shipping will cost more than the chicks, LOL! This is the slow time of year for getting chicks, so you may have to wait until spring if you are particular about the breeds you want.

www.meyerhatchery.com
www.mypetchicken.com

I would recommend you start with chicks, unless you are really needing eggs quickly. It will take about 5-6 months to grow out to egg laying size, but they are sooooo much fun to watch grow up from those tiny fluff balls! Your kid will love it - mine are so excited and we are now counting the weeks left until we can start to expect some eggs. (ours are 10 wks)

Welcome and let us all know what you decide to do!

Susan

 

[hsm5grls]

OMG... All the things I've heard about chickens. I wanted chickens for years but I listened to everyone around me. Not anymore...I am getting the animals I want not what people think I should have. I read the facts first and stopped listening to people's opinons. I am smilling more now than I have in years.

Oh and yeah some people think I'm crazy like dh. mil,sil's,ds, ect.

Crazy but happy.

 

[Chickadee28]

Thanks for your replies! I will definitely show this to thread to my husband. I really need some positive things to show him.

Hi Debbie! I have been through Oquawka many times on the way to visit my dad.