How long until your overwhelmed or tired of poultry

[Molpet]

Seems like people have a limited interest in most hobbies. How long for poultry?

 

[JacinLarkwell]

I've had them about 11 years, but wasn't actually incredibly into them until the last 3.

 

[Boise-girls]

I'm dreading our first chicken-keeping winter - short days, wetter ground, colder temps, just plain less fun to be outside. (I like to borrow trouble. ) I feel like summer is a sort of free pass, except for dealing with the heat.
We have a new walk-in, larger coop coming in October, which will help a lot. But, it's costing an arm and leg, so those bossy little girls better stay as entertaining as they are now!

 

[Eggstatic ChickyDoo]

I would guess that most people who get into poultry either figure out pretty quickly that it isn't their thing (w/in 2 years) or find that they enjoy them and it lasts long term (10+ years).

 

[Molpet]

Several people have been cutting back on their numbers because it's getting to be too much. Some people are getting older and some just have too many birds. I fit both categories

 

[3KillerBs]

I had my first flock for about 3 years. They'd dramatically slowed down laying, I didn't (or, at least, though I didn't^), have the means to raise replacements, and I was working long hours that made the chickens seem like more of a chore than a joy when I was already tired and sore.

But I knew that I'd want them again when my life changed.

I suspect that the 3-5 year period, when you face the fact that your beloved first hens are now feed-gobbling freeloaders and that raising/integrating replacements is going to be a lot of work, is a common time to decide that you're not going to do chickens anymore.

But for those who pass that first replacement scenario, I think it is likely to last until some significant life change happens.

^If it weren't such a radical idea to raise chicks outdoors I'd have learned that I could have raised the replacements in the carport or on the porch in my mild climate.

 

[Cindy in PA]

I'm at 28 years, so I'll let you know. I replace hens every 2-3 years & baby them less than some. I like winter, because without my chickens & my dog I would never venture out of the house.

 

[Folly's place]

It's only been almost thirty years for me, don't know yet. Maybe someday...
Mary

 

[U_Stormcrow]

Haven't hit that point yet - but anything over 6 months is a long term thing for me, and I'm coming up on 18, so...

(I get bored VERY easily)

 

[Crazy Maizie]

At this stage in my life I come home from work to tend to my flock and think, "I'd rather be out here cleaning up poo than ...." - I fill in the blank with whatever headache happened.
There are some days where I'm just super exhausted and think of what it would be like with no poultry chores. As well, something always needs taken care of even if you think you've got it all under control - I'm always tweaking this or that or fixing a minor issue.
I'm on my 5th year. I don't remember what prompted me to want chickens, but now my original flock has tripled to include ducks as well.
I'm guessing most would tap out at 5yrs or less.