How to convince my husband to let me get started

[orchid lady]

He’s so afraid they’ll become a burden

 

[hysop]

Maybe offer to start with only three hens. Mention fresh eggs. They’re very entertaining. But definitely just start off with three to show him how fun it is to keep chickens. That is what you’re talking about right?

 

[orchid lady]

Maybe offer to start with only three hens. Mention fresh eggs. They’re very entertaining. But definitely just start off with three to show him how fun it is to keep chickens. That is what you’re talking about right?

Yes, just a couple for eggs. He’s worried we’ll be to tied down if we want to take off for a long weekend or a vacation. Then he’s worried about what to do when they quit laying

 

[hysop]

Yes, just a couple for eggs. He’s worried we’ll be to tied down if we want to take off for a long weekend or a vacation. Then he’s worried about what to do when they quit laying

How long of vacations do you guys take and how often? You would have to find a sitter if it’s longer than a weekend. Weekends won’t be so bad but longer than that will need better planning.

For weekends people usually just leave a lot of water and full feeders in their runs and coops. But that will only be enough for 2-3 days.

They won’t quit laying for years!! I mean in the winter they do stop or slow down when they molt but it’s only for a bit

 

[orchid lady]

We like to go for a week or two vacation about once a year, mostly do weekend getaways. Maybe I could get a neighbor to check in on them. I work with a lady that brings her 2 chickens camping with her!

 

[hysop]

We like to go for a week or two vacation about once a year, mostly do weekend getaways. Maybe I could get a neighbor to check in on them. I work with a lady that brings her 2 chickens camping with her!

For weekend getaways it’s doable without needing a sitter. But if your neighbor is willing to do it to be a good neighbor it would help to check on them.

As for your 1-2 week annual vacations I would employ someone to care for your chickens even if it’s your neighbor popping in to make sure they have enough food and water and collecting eggs. Three chickens won’t be too much work. When I started I had 10 and it wasn’t too bad. So three will be fairly simple, not easy, but easier than with 10.

 

[Chicka_deee]

Yes, just a couple for eggs. He’s worried we’ll be to tied down if we want to take off for a long weekend or a vacation. Then he’s worried about what to do when they quit laying

Well they do take a break in the winter and while they are molting, and they do stop laying after 2-3 years but let me tell you, I have 10 hens right now and they all lay almost every day, and 2 are 7 (almost 8) years old, 2 are 4 years old and 5 that are 1 year old.... maybe I lied about them all laying, I have an Ayam Cemani mix that isn’t the best layer but she’s still cute!
I've had chickens for almost 8 years now and i love then all so very much, they are definitely pets in my brain that give me delicious breakfast,
I would start off with 3 (4 if you feel like it) I started off with 3 in the beginning as well.
great egg layers that i recommend are Rhode Island reds, buff Orpingtons, Easter eggers (they come in very different colors and their eggs as well and they are one of my favorite breeds!) barred rocks/ Plymouth rocks and Wyandotte’s (these are awesome layers as well as they have a super amazing personality and most my chickens are these breeds)
if you have your final decision of getting chicks/chickens this website is always here for you with any of your questions!

good luck!

 

[ColoradoPip]

Yes, just a couple for eggs. He’s worried we’ll be to tied down if we want to take off for a long weekend or a vacation. Then he’s worried about what to do when they quit laying

These are valid concerns which you should address before getting chickens. I don't think of chickens like, say a cat, which could easily be left for the weekend. Based on your description of your travel frequency, I suggest you convince a friend or neihhbor who is a "home-body" type to get chickens which you can visit..everyone wins!

Not trying to dash your hopes, good luck no matter what you end up doing!

 

[hysop]

When they stop laying completely you can either keep them as pets that don’t produce eggs. You can eat them if you guys don’t mind it, I know some people can never eat their pet chickens. You can find them a home to someone who is willing to adopt them and let them live out their remainder years.

 

[Painted Calls]

The way I convinced my husband?... I brought home chickens and then said "Look. We have chickens now."

Yearsss later apparently I now have a problem. I always say that I could have a worse problem than chickens!

Hello, my name is Alissa and I can't say no to chickens.

You got some good advice here from everyone! Good luck on your decisions!