How to convince my husband to let me get started

[CatWhisperer]

Start with 3-4 bantams. They don’t take up much room.

 

[Chickenclaude]

He’s so afraid they’ll become a burden

They are the easiest pets I’ve ever owned. Feed and water. Clean out the house once a month or so. The eggs are delicious. Buy some and praise their tastiness ...3 is a good starting number

 

[Justso]

Where are you located? You can put your general area in your profile. Maybe you can team up with a byc'er in your area for support with occasional care.

 

[rosemarythyme]

I'd advise you both to sit down and talk it out, pros and cons. Think about how many birds you might want, where you'd put them, are they legal?, what kind of budget you'd have for housing and feed...

With the correct set up and some forethought it shouldn't be an issue leaving chickens alone for a couple of days. Having a neighbor or friend available who can check in on them helps a lot too.

As far as what to do with retired layers, that's something you'll both need to consider as well. Some folks on here keep on retired birds as pets - that's my plan, so I've built bigger to accommodate that. Others eat them. There really isn't a wrong answer (other than something cruel like throwing them into someone else's yard) but yes it's something that you both should come to agreement on before going into this.

 

[Friendly_Lurker]

Plan a romantic evening in which you do your favorite things together and show him the very cutest pictures of chicks and hens you can find. Tell him that chickens cost less than a dog (my friend did the math and found out that even with animal sitting, one dog cost more than three hens), they’re just as easy to take care of, and of course, they lay eggs! Offer to let him choose his favorite breed.