Do chickens get upset if there are a large variety of people taking care of them?

[LizMoon]

My church has a large garden plot where they grow fresh vegetables and stuff to donate to a homeless shelter because they don't get a lot of fresh food. Another thing they do is the dozen egg challenge which is a challenge to boil a certain number of dozens of eggs because it is good protein. I thought since our church has enough land we could build a coop big enough for 15 - 20 chickens and be able to donate a lot of fresh eggs as well. (we also do a lot of casserole baking) The problem is I am in school during the school year and have other activities outside of school so I can't be the sole provider for them. I thought it could be a volunteer thing where people sign up monthly for either morning or evening duty. It would involve refilling food/water if needed and letting them in or out of the run. They could also come in to play with and socialize them as well. But I've read online that chickens like to keep to and appreciate a routine. There would be a routine kept the only thing changing would be the person keeping it. Would that be to much stress? Also I plan to get Australorps and it said they tend to be more docile and open to human interaction and I plan on raising them from chicks so they will be handled regularly from a young age. I want to know if that will help as well? I know it could be easier and perhaps more economical to just buy eggs but two reasons why I want to do this: 1. It would be a fun church project that people could get involved in 2. It is more humane than getting eggs at a store from battery cage hens ( we all know that horror story)

Please help if you have any insight! Thanks a lot!

 

[the1much]

i used to sell birds,,alot of them, and i bet in a month over 200 people would interact with my birds.some love all the people,some dont, but as a flock they wouldnt be bothered a bit.it would be a good thing to make people wear rubber boots that they could use because they should step in a bucket of bleach and water before walking in the birds area.keep a list of "donts" for people because the donts are way less then what you can do with them.them birds would love having people bringing their supper leftovers for them

Jim

 

[Wishing4Wings]

This sounds like a wonderful idea! I think chickens will get used to having different caretakers more quickly if the caretakers follow a similar routine. I know my chickens are interested more in the food than who is providing it.

If you condition the chickens with a call (here chick-chickie!) or to the sound scratch treats being shaken in a can, you or another person will be able to recall them to a specific location at any time. The anticipation of treats is a huge chicken motivator.

It's been my experience that raising and handling chicks does make for friendlier adults, but does not guarantee it.

Australorps are beautiful and excellent layers - a good choice. The only downside is that they are hard to tell apart if you need to communicate about a particular hen. It's strictly a personal choice, but there's no reason why you can't have a mixed flock.

Best wishes!

 

[LizMoon]

Thanks for the feedback! I thought it was a good way to give back and my parents won't let me have some of my own in our backyard! So the shelter gets the eggs and I get my chickens! Win-win! Also I just picked Australorps because they are docile and there may be young children (with a parent) handling and being around them and I just thought they were pretty! lol Also we needed good egg layers because the purpose is to donate the eggs to a homeless shelter.
Thanks!!!

 

[Wishing4Wings]

Buff Orpingtons and barred Rocks are also docile and good layers, if you want a little variety. Check out the breeds section - lots of options.

If you plan on allowing young children around the chickens, I would not have a rooster. Too risky.