Help convince my mom to get chickens!

[WalnutTree]

We never hear the chickens. we never knew until they told us.

 

[piminuse]

You might be able to chat with your chicken owning neighbors and see if they'll let you borrow or raise some of their chicks next season. A brood box is way cheaper than a coop. If you prove to your mom that you're responsible enough to meet the needs of the chicks then that might let you move to the next step--raising them to adulthood. At that point you can buy them off your neighbors. If she isn't sold then you return to teenage chickens to the owners and it was a learning experience for everyone.

 

[WalnutTree]

Alright, thank you for the information, @jmns . This is what i was looking for. someone who had direct experiance as a mom. I'm not that young, lol, but i get where your coming from. i have been keeping care of her horses, goat, and pony (feeding, water, and droppings), for what has been 4 years now. I feel like i deserve this chance of responsibility, but then again, i understand her being hesitant.

 

[Oncoming Storm]

Yes, but the point is she thinks that keeping chickens has no benefits. They do, and she takes the word of a friend who had ducks years and years ago, that chickens are as messy as ducks. Words from experienced chicken owners might change her mind!

Nope. Not true. Sure chickens poop a lot but they aren’t nearly as messy as my ducks. I love my ducks but DANG I can’t keep the water clean and they spill it everywhere in my barn making a very big mud puddle. Chickens just tend to build up a mess where they roost. If you keep that clean, it should be fine. But keeping them in a coop is different. Ultimately, as a high schooler myself, the best advice I can give you is moms word is law. If you just bug her about it, she’ll reject the notion all together no matter how compelling your argument.

 

[Chickenhappy8708]

I live with my mother and am not saying my age. I'd have the full responsibility of taking care of them. I have enough money and have been studying and researching about chickens for a year. I have jobs and take on some little jobs around my neighborhood. I've been saving up money for 2 years, and i feel prepared. I have a father who is willing to help with building the brooder and coop. We have 3 acres of land and most of it is fenced in. We have a gated place that we could let them free-range in, as well.

I've been in a similar boat. Do you have any other pets? Take responsibly for them. If your mom doesn't want ticks, explain the bug eating qualities. Eggs are good to. Ultimately just ask for a small number. Say something like: Mom, can we get 3 chickens, try it for a year, and if we don't like it, we can sell them? Something like that. My mom wasn't to crazy about getting chickens. But I noe find her asking me when we can get more. Good luck!!

 

[WalnutTree]

You might be able to chat with your chicken owning neighbors and see if they'll let you borrow or raise some of their chicks next season. A brood box is way cheaper than a coop. If you prove to your mom that you're responsible enough to meet the needs of the chicks then that might let you move to the next step--raising them to adulthood. At that point you can buy them off your neighbors. If she isn't sold then you return to teenage chickens to the owners and it was a learning experience for everyone.

Thank you for that information!! I would be overjoyed if i could do that, but all 3 chicken keepers get their chickens at laying age, and don't care about the friendliness of the chicken at all.. one of the chicken keepers actually had the worst set up imaginable. Dirty to no water, filthy roosts, and horrible predator proofing.

 

[WalnutTree]

Nope. Not true. Sure chickens poop a lot but they aren’t nearly as messy as my ducks. I love my ducks but DANG I can’t keep the water clean and they spill it everywhere in my barn making a very big mud puddle. Chickens just tend to build up a mess where they roost. If you keep that clean, it should be fine. But keeping them in a coop is different. Ultimately, as a high schooler myself, the best advice I can give you is moms word is law. If you just bug her about it, she’ll reject the notion all together no matter how compelling your argument.

Has another high-schooler, i agree in full! Ducks are much more messy then chickens! Honestly, i think she likes being nagged about it? She always smiles when i bring up chickens.. hopefully she's warming up to the fact that chickens are awesome

 

[rosemarythyme]

Have you sat down with your mom and asked her what her concerns are? Other than the generalized "You'll lose interest/I'll have to take care of them" sort of thing? Is she afraid of the smell? Noise? Just doesn't like birds? Without knowing her objections it's hard to counter it.

Obviously if your family likes eggs that's a big selling point. Even if neighbors are happy to share or sell them, it's sure nice to be able to just go in your own yard to get it.

 

[Chick_Maelle]

When I am where my chickens are I take full responsibility of them. Lol not trying to say too much information

 

[RojoMarz]

Yes, you should have a conversation with mom. You get to state why you want chickens, how you will care for and house them, etc. She gets to state why she doesn't want them. Then there can be dialogue to see if both of your wants/concerns can be met.