How to advise a friend on their chicken care

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FunnyBunny89 said:
I have. I've told them that I use BYC for tips, and we have talked about possible changes they could make. Before we talked about changes after the latest attack, they would poopoo any question I would ask. I've only known them for a year, they've been keeping chickens for much longer than I have, and they don't seem to want to receive my input. Maybe now that I've cared for their hen, they'll be more open to it? I just fear I'll come across badly.
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Yeah it's a tough spot to be in. You may have to decide whether you want to be friends or you want to be right, if making constructive criticism is not going to work.
 
SandyRiverChick said:
Yeah it's a tough spot to be in. You may have to decide whether you want to be friends or you want to be right, if making constructive criticism is not going to work.
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Yeaaah 🤔 well, I guess I can just tell them how I've been caring for her this whole time. They called me "chicken whisperer" when I first showed them how she was doing through text. But really, my efforts have been minimal. So, perhaps I can ask them if I can see the coop soon? I offered to help them but I think the husband is doing all the work and he doesn't appear to want my help.
 
You can attempt to talk to them one last time, but if they don't want to change, you certainly can't make them. If they won't change, it might be best for your sanity to distance yourself from them.

Being a chicken owner myself when you say you just did the bare minimum I assume you just mean provide a decent chicken feed, water, protection and let her out and put her to bed. If they brush off your suggestions to do even that then there just isn't very much you can do
 
FrostRanger said:
You can attempt to talk to them one last time, but if they don't want to change, you certainly can't make them. If they won't change, it might be best for your sanity to distance yourself from them.

Being a chicken owner myself when you say you just did the bare minimum I assume you just mean provide a decent chicken feed, water, protection and let her out and put her to bed. If they brush off your suggestions to do even that then there just isn't very much you can do
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Correct. I am doing just enough to keep them healthy and secure. The pen I built was thrown together in an hour with a dog crate, a dog pen, a gate, some leftover fencing and boards, and a bunch of zip ties, but it's secure! But this is how I view all animals. I hope they will be more open to suggestions when I give their hen back with the roo.
 
Hm. You say you don't really want to keep this hen. But how are you any better than them if you give her back to them, knowing what her fate will likely be? It may be awkward or uncomfortable talking turkey to them, but what have you got to lose? Are you really good friends with them anyway? Speaking for myself, (and I'm a crusty old broad now), here's how I think I would handle it. I would say to them, "Look, you don't have a very good track record with chickens. So if I give this sweet girl back to you, you have to agree to take good care of her. And that means, at a minimum.... you shut her up at dark and let her out in the morning. You (name what you think she needs). And if you're not willing to care for her in these ways, then I think she should stay here with me." What's the worst that could happen? They don't come over and play Scrabble with you any more? They probably already don't.

Think about it. And do right by this chicken. But like I said, this is what I'd do. But you're not me. Best wishes.
 
BigBlueHen53 said:
Hm. You say you don't really want to keep this hen. But how are you any better than them if you give her back to them, knowing what her fate will likely be? It may be awkward or uncomfortable talking turkey to them, but what have you got to lose? Are you really good friends with them anyway? Speaking for myself, (and I'm a crusty old broad now), here's how I think I would handle it. I would say to them, "Look, you don't have a very good track record with chickens. So if I give this sweet girl back to you, you have to agree to take good care of her. And that means, at a minimum.... you shut her up at dark and let her out in the morning. You (name what you think she needs). And if you're not willing to care for her in these ways, then I think she should stay here with me." What's the worst that could happen? They don't come over and play Scrabble with you any more? They probably already don't.

Think about it. And do right by this chicken. But like I said, this is what I'd do. But you're not me. Best wishes.
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I asked "what would you do?" for a reason 😊 thank you for giving me a sample, it helps! I will do my best.

I don't think I can keep two roos with 14 hens, and I don't have room for more than 18 total chickens, and even that would be crowded. I can't get my husband to agree that we should build another coop just to rescue two. It's just a logistics issue. Sad, but I will try and make it known to them that I would feel better if they show me that they can keep up with their chickens needs. They asked me to care for her for about a month, which is no small favor! So hopefully they will understand. I got 3 little kids, one is only a year and two months old. It's not like I have time to spare, ya know? Anyway, I can use the tips provided here for sure.
 
BigBlueHen53 said:
Hm. You say you don't really want to keep this hen. But how are you any better than them if you give her back to them, knowing what her fate will likely be? It may be awkward or uncomfortable talking turkey to them, but what have you got to lose? Are you really good friends with them anyway? Speaking for myself, (and I'm a crusty old broad now), here's how I think I would handle it. I would say to them, "Look, you don't have a very good track record with chickens. So if I give this sweet girl back to you, you have to agree to take good care of her. And that means, at a minimum.... you shut her up at dark and let her out in the morning. You (name what you think she needs). And if you're not willing to care for her in these ways, then I think she should stay here with me." What's the worst that could happen? They don't come over and play Scrabble with you any more? They probably already don't.

Think about it. And do right by this chicken. But like I said, this is what I'd do. But you're not me. Best wishes.
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Lol oh and, no, we don't play scrabble 😂
 

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