ELI5 Why do so many ppl treat chickens expendable??

[BigBlueHen53]

Now they are just chickens...we are really busy and our appointments cost $65. I have to insist she ask the vet if I can have

Humph! I would say to her, "What does it matter what kind of animal it is, if I am willing to pay for the vet's time? Is he qualified to care for a chicken, or should I take my business elsewhere?"

 

[SourRoses]

Wouldn't really call that hair like though, they're slim, but that seems to be a common feature with long feathered chickens. The plumage looks very similar to that of my Heritage Plymouth Barred Rock Rooster I used to have, but had to put down. I'm keeping his pelt, once I can get the chance to skin him.
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Not to argue, but those are very much wider feathers. It's not a big deal though.

I probably should have gotten a picture of the feathers with my hand under them for a reference point.

 

[Poultrybonkers]

Because chickens are livestock not pets? My males get processed every year. As they are replaceable. And if I dont eat them my rats eat them.

 

[z3lda3]

Egg bound, crop issues, bumblefoot sure. Mites or lice? Absolutely. Other stuff, depends what it is. I do what prevention I can.

Ah got it! I think most ppl here are in the “depends on the situation” camp. Like most things, it’s not black and white.

 

[z3lda3]

Because chickens are livestock not pets? My males get processed every year. As they are replaceable. And if I dont eat them my rats eat them.

Dog/cats or whatever the “pet” is, is replaceable as well. And since when does being livestock justify cruelty?

 

[MysteryChicken]

Not to argue, but those are very much wider feathers. It's not a big deal though.

I probably should have gotten a picture of the feathers with my hand under them for a reference point.

No argument intended.
I was going for texture, & pattern.

 

[z3lda3]

I really like my vet who helps me with my chickens....but every time I call to get an appointment (3 in 3 years), the person answering the phone says " Now they are just chickens...we are really busy and our appointments cost $65. I have to insist she ask the vet if I can have an appointment (yes), but when I am cranky, I wonder how it would go if I taped that conversation and inserted the word "dog" or "cat" for chicken and played it back to her...though 60 years ago, neither went to the vet...they were "just a barn cat" or just "farm dog" and easily replaced. Maybe this attitude about chix will change over time!
OK, but would that REALLY be a good idea? There are millions of badly behaved cats and dogs who today walk/ride around in shopping venues, grocery stores, restaurants and farmers markets (including my daughters' dog) because "they wanted to go"! Imagine if it was chicken on a leash! At least, their bathroom habits won't be any worse than some pets I have observed AND I rarely see a permanent injury from a chicken attack! My sister would say SHE does indeed have a permanent psychological injury from the old farm rooster that attacked her when she was 4...and it is true that I love when my chickens hear the back door close and come a running! She has never encouraged that behavior and only treats them early am while they are still in the run as it still freaks her out to see any chicken charging to her!
PS I realize it is my chix interest is mostly cupboard love, though it is clear Muffy and Eagle DO like my company for me....I wonder how much those stroller things are, hmmmm

A chicken on a leash?! Do I like that idea? I think I do! Just strolling around the local feed store lol. I’d even get him a vest that says do not touch, vicious breed. In his hat. And wearing booties!

 

[z3lda3]

Genetic Hackle fowl.
I couldn't find much of a market for them here so that I could hatch enough chicks to make improvements... I did find a nice lady who wanted them for her kid to take to the fair, another guy who actually fly fished, and a couple who just thought they were cool.

But I kept a really nice hen who's 1/4 Am and lays green but has the feathering of the GHF, and a long tail, I have some of her mixed chicks on the ground and will breed them back until I get at least some of the length in hackles and saddles in my project breed (it's a complicate project, lol).

I read that generic not genetic, and was like THATS generic??
It sounds like an awesome project!! You know we’re going to want pictures

 

[JacinLarkwell]

Hm I’m going to have to look into cleaning and their feathers. Off topic a bit.. I knew someone who had yarn made from her poodle, and she knitted a sweater. The MOST itchiest sweater ever on the planet. Just an fyi.

Usually people don't spin straight dog fur unless it's a breed that actually has a soft undercoat. Typically you put wool with it for strength and softness

 

[JacinLarkwell]

@BigBlueHen53 speaking of chicken black holes…I just casually for no reason, looking at chickens with long plumage. Oooo. Does anyone know how difficult it is to keep them clean? Asking for a friend lol.

Depends how clean you mean. My phoenix have bits of VM in theirs, but except when they run through a fresh poop puddle, they're clean