How would you handle this issue?

[bufforp89]

My family is the same way about my eggs. I buy all the feed and care for the chickens but there are certin family members that are constantly giving my eggs away even though I sell them. There are also family members that assume since I raise chickens I am supposed to give them eggs.

I eventually told everyone that they had to start paying, I do give them a small discount because everyone saves cartons for me and anyone who brings me 5 cartons gets a free doz eggs.

You should just be straight up with your family members, I did and it worked for me!

 

[Teach97]

I gotta but something else in...

I think trylin has a great take on it...siblings...maybe...my mom on the other hand...I would give her anything she even hinted at wanting. I figure she wiped my rear when it needed it...didn't drown me when I deserved it. i can do stuff for her. Of course...she wouldn't ask. I live so far away from her that I can't do little things for her but i call buds and con them into doing stuff for me...she is still trying to figure out who took care of her tree that fell in a storm!

 

[sfw2]

Maybe you could plan a family get-together, and serve salsa, devilled eggs, carrot cake . . . Then they've all been given some, and they can buy more if they want it.

Good luck. I live 3,000 miles away from most of my family . . .

 

[herefordlovinglady]

My mom, i would give anything to and love every minute of it. My sisters, probably the same. for my BIL, i would find out when his b'day is and tell him to look forward to one then. in most cases my family gives and takes so it's not much of an issue with me.

ETA: sorry you weren't asking what i would do if it were my situation. For you, do whatever is in your heart you are fortunate to have a family who wants to be a part of what you enjoy.

 

[equine chick]

Mom is one thing unless she actually uses alot of eggs but say to the others I don't have any * not claimed but customers but if you want to be n the list the price is xxx since you already got a free sample.

 

[wegotchickens]

I'd invite Mom over and have her help can the salsa and tell her if she'll chip in on the supplies she can take home extra. Same with Sis. If they're mooches they'll run for the hills, but if they come to work you'll know they care. And it might even be fun!

For the other goodiess: If it's not their birthday they can ask all they want but they won't get anything. Just ignore the comments.

For eggs, just tell them you can't supply them since you're selling and/or hatching them. But you can put them on a wait list if they'll pay a deposit for the carton

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
I agree. Next time they ask about the salsa or cake just say, "I'll give you the recipe." When they ask about the eggs you can say, "I'm cleaning the coop out next Saturday. Anybody that shows up and helps, gets a free dozen." If there is something they have that you want, offer a trade.

 

[Sonoran Silkies]

I like the responses about mom--I would certainly give whatever I have available to my mother if she lived close enough and wanted some. As for siblings, inlaws, cousins, etc., it really depends on how close you are to each other. You can also consider whether they have any gifts or talents you could trade for. "Gee, how about I trade you some eggs and salsa for [handmade quilts/homegrown peaches/paintings/coop building/etc.]" Mother's Day is coming up pretty rapidly, so plan some approprite gifts from your bounty rather than shopping at the department store. As to the cake comment, say "Gee, how about I bake one for your birthday?" (No, that one doesn't replace a gift, but a bottle of salsa would.)

Take the comments in stride as a compliment, and in the general discussion of things (not in response to a particular request) mention why you are canning and baking. Mention the economics and the time you spend--make it all specific to you and your family. It may well be that they see your efforts as a hobby, not work, and imagine that you "need" people to take the extras off your hands, not seeing that you are meeting a need for your family. If they get too pushy, politely ask how they would feel if you asked them to provide you with some of the groceries they had purchased to feed their family; or a portion of their paycheck.

 

[pips&peeps]

Quote:
Ditto

 

[australorpchick]

Thanks everybody, great responses. I don't usually mind giving eggs to my mom, but lately it's been "I'm out of eggs, when can I come by. I miss you", in that order, like it's an after thought. I like the idea of getting everybody together and making them work, perhaps then, they won't take it for granted. My sister's friends have asked if I could teach them to can. I think it'll be perfect timing to have sis and mom learn all the expense and work involved. I'm the only domestic one and the only one who doesn't mind getting dirty and building things, so unfortunately, trading doesn't seem feasible, just yet.