Does anyone regret getting chickens?

[HenMamma]

I have only had regrets twice in the last three years. Both times it was because I over did it and got burned out. Both times I disbanded my flock and regretted it. This year I have learned my lesson and will stay within the guidelines I have set.

 

[SurprisingWoman]

My daughter is a neater person than I am and it would drive her crazy to have chickens pooping all over the place but it doesn't bother me.

I think it's good you are looking before you leap. It isn't for everyone but I lurve my chickens.

 

[Gonzo]

No, I don't regret my chickens, the only thing I regret is the time of year I got this new set of babies. I have them set up in the house, and now I'm deathly sick. Other than that, I'll always have them. They are wonderful. They've brought our family closer, and I think they're soothing, and good for the soul. (just not in the living room in the dead of winter

)

 

[christa7032]

I definitely don't regret getting my girls but I do regret getting as many as I have. Four out of six of my original girls were killed before I could figure out what was killing them. I liked having 3 or 4 but since I ended up with 2 I ran out and bought 6 more chicks because I was counting on losing some or having some be roosters. Well now I have 7 and am going through feed like crazy and there is poop everywhere. If I could go back I would only have 4. They were easy to manage, didn't make too much of a mess, and we didn't go through anywhere near as much feed. I also regret not having my coop built already when I bought them. There is a lot to be said for being prepared! Hope this helps.

 

[Shelly_WNC]

Hi FollowingMyNose!

I am glad I found your post, because I wanted to know any regrets everyone had too.

I just purchased my first chicks a few days ago. First I lurked on this site reading every thing I could find to prepare myself - cons/pros and starting out stuff like brooders,coops ,pullets vs. roos. Then I got more excited every day just thinking out getting them. I figured on 4-5 pullets for egg laying later on and backyard pets, I have plenty of land. Every day I'd look on craigslist and see what was for sale. Finally I found an ad for 9 day olds and knew that was my cue , these were the ones for me (not having to deal with hatchery and shipping day olds). Well at $1.75 I couldn't refuse - I bought 11.
WOW!!! I have no intention of having 11 chickens. But because they are straight run I figured some would be roos. Well it hasn't even been a full week with them yet and I'd say my only regret is I bought so many. Now in a few months I might not regret this , but right now 11 is to many. They are all the same breed and I can't tell them apart. Plus 11 is just so overwhelming for a newbie like me. I have no other pets (had tons of pets as a kid growing up).

I do love them already , but I think I should have started with 5 to keep it more manageable. Note I also keep them in a 55 gal reptile tank in my livingroom because I adore looking at them constantly, even if I get up at 3am to 'pee' I have to go out and check on the cutie pies.

With that said - alot of people on BYC get 25 -100 baby chicks and manage just fine. Yikes that might be me next year - LOL.

In your case being in the suburbs - try to refrain from the urge to buy more then 4-5. I think you will be soo happy with a manageable flock. As for predators and 'smells' - just keep reading about all the great advice every one has on how to prevent that stuff . Use some of the smallest hardware cloth as chicken wire to protect against predators and clean the coop often (use a poop board under the roost for easy cleaning). I just read in your post about the DE and stall dry - I think I'll use that when the time comes to move into the coop.

That's my advice - from a very new newbie.

 

[fasbendera]

Not even as I trudge through three feet of snow to water and feed them in the winter. Through sun, rain, sleet and snow I open the coop door and they run over to see me and it makes it all worth it. In the summer nothing is more entertaining than watching them scratch around for food. My husband is able to telecommute and has the best view in the house of the chicken coop and yard. He sees the hens, the occasional hawk & fox and sends out the alarm but the girls are already under cover.

 

[Jen4]

Heck No......... I regret not have more space, for more!

 

[steelersfan43]

Quote:
me too! or money for more coops lol

 

[Cousgirl]

I've been getting cold feet about the whole thing. I'm not sure I'm doing things right and even though I've done a tone of research, I still have loads of questions, like do they need vaccinations? I bought 6 eggs and 4 hatched. Not sure who's a rooster. Am hoping they are hens. Ideally, only two or three would be hens since that's what I think I could handle. I'm freaking out that I might have 4 roosters. :-( The idea of aggressive roosters has me worried. I have three Australorps and one silkie.

Anyway, it's good to see I'm not the only one thinking about this. I want it to be a positive experience for my kids and so far, it is, they love holding the chicks. I'm just being really uptight about them washing their hands, etc.

 

[chooniecat]

I would keep it a VERY small flock of GIRLS (neighbors that close,its torture to have to listen to dogs,let alone roos!)the cuteness issue of chicks when you are purchasing them. just like the sadness of people getting a pup/kitten then it grows up(duh) and they get bored with it and dump it. I have overpurchased chicks because of their cuteness but at least I live on several acres and I am living with them anyhow(I DO love my chickens, let me be clear!) they are entertaining,gorgeous,have different personalities, and of course you get eggs! just keep it to a minimum to begin with just in case.