I feel like a freak- need support

[JamieandShady]

Hey all,

I feel like a total freak. I live in the suburbs of Austin, TX. Well, really I live in oak hill but due to urban sprawl we are now considered the suburbs. anyways i just got 7 new chicks (4 weeks old this thurs). we're building a run and coop in our backyard and our neighbors look at us like we're crazy! I kind of feel crazy. People don't really have chickens out here even though its not against deed restrictions.

Anyways. I love my lil chickies and I want them to have a good life. They are very beneficial in my garden and I'm looking forward to the eggs. Plus they're playful and cuddly. People don't generally regard chickens as pets but I guess that is how I'm treating them. And my neighbors, some family and friends think I'm cuckoo.

Anyone else experience this?

 

[Arklady]

You haven't talked to my family... I have close to a hundred chickens. They simply cannot understand.... Their loss. lol.. Hang in there.

Arklady

 

[Dom'sHEns]

Were all freaks, its ok!!....were chicken people. You'll be the one with the last laughf after you realize how many positive things come out of keeping a backyard flock. Mmmm eggs! There are many people on this forum illegally keeping a backyard flock just for that reason. Your neighbors will get over it...just give it time. There are many many people here who have been or are in the same situation as you....and they will all tell you its worth it. Just remember the exact people who are looking at you like your "cuckoo" or making comments about your chickens........NO EGGS FOR THEM!

mwahhawahhaahaha!

 

[tiffanyh]

Ummm...have you looked at all of our posts and seen how often we are all on here??? I think you may be asking teh wrong group of people if you are crazy or not!!

 

[silkhope]

Comments I have heard lately from friends and family - "crazy chicken lady", "why are you so obsessed with these CHICKENS???", "you pay more attention to the chicks then you do me"... I could go on and on... welcome to the club.

 

[michellerene]

One of my best friends lives in Austin, has 8 chickens & posts here-- catballou24.

You are NOT alone!

 

[MTchick]

People are scared of what they don't understand, and making fun of you can make otherwise insecure people feel better about themselves.

Smile, nod, and say, "I suppose this means you won't want any of our home-grown, ultra healthy, organic eggs." Then just change the subject.

I did have two friends act as if I had lost my mind. One has since come around after meeting the chickens (she even came to our coop warming party!). The other has since admitted he is an alcoholic and addicted to gambling. Hmmmm... guess that is sort of an extreme, but it is a true story.

-MTchick

 

[catballou24]

hey!! we are only about 15 miles from you actually!! more later...my neighbor just stopped by..heheh hello neighbor!!

 

[Zenbirder]

People in many countries ate surplus dogs regularly and didn't see them as pets untill modern times. It takes time to change culture, and you are in a great place to be able to show your neighbors, particularly the kids, that chickens have personality and sweetness, they show affection and deserve great treatment!

 

[joanm]

I know where you're coming from! My co-workers and and my sisters thought I was nuts! I LOVE my 5 little babies! Maybe I am nuts! oh well...