I feel like a freak- need support

[mlheran]

Chickens were one of the first animals to be "kept" domestically, and certainly the only one that can give you something beneficial without having to die or reproduce in order to do it. That alone should make them a valuable pet. Besides, their behavior and antics are so enjoyable I bet your neighbors will be gawking over your fence in no time!

 

[MsNoah]

Co-workers, neighbors and friends have felt that way about me for years. My baby chicks are now six weeks old and their coop and henhouse are nearly finished. I am the proud owner of three llamas, three sheep, three dogs, and a couple of barn cats, and now six pullets.

I have wanted chickens for years and am very excited about it, but family and friends just see it as my empty nest syndrome expanding.

Don't worry about what they think. Enjoy them!

 

[missusduray]

I got 4 chickens to keep the bug population down in my yard. 3 hens and a roo. I had a hard time justifying that with my friends. Then I fell in love with them. So I ordered 14 baby chicks that will be here Wednesday! WOOO! So then They thought I was really nuts! So I invited them over and I have now converted friends. My best friend even told me that she would chicken sit for me if I had to go somewhere! It is funny how chickens tend to sneak their way into your heart. Soon your neighbors will be asking you advice on how to build their coop. Did I mention that my mom is totally jealous! She wants chickens but lives in town and cant have them!

Kristyne
Did I mention that I dont care if they call me nuts or crazy! I embrace it!

 

[Judymae]

I'm constantly getting critisism from family. Not my friends. My family lives in the city. My friends live in the country. My family always makes comments about me having too many pets. I try to explain to them that I didn't move out here on five acres to have a cat. I was soooo excited to tell my sister about my new chickies coming this week and all she could say was don't ya think you have enough animals? That's why I come to this forum. I need to hear about others like me. I have always thought that people who care for animals are better people. We want to make the lives of others the best we can.

 

[iopele]

Ahh, I wish I still lived in Austin! (Pflugerville, actually--moved away in Dec) We could make a chicken support group.

My parents had chickens when I was growing up and I *hated* them. (Don't hurt me!) So when I moved next door to my parents--and their 100 chickens--6 months ago, I was prepared for them to drive me nuts again. Not so! How did I never notice how cool chickens are before?

It's funny, though, that now that I've got my 10 Araucanas and am handling them and making friends, etc, my father's the one who thinks I'm nuts. "They're livestock, not pets!" Oh, I beg to differ... these little fluffballs are DEFINITELY pets. You'd think someone who's kept chickens almost all his life would know that! I find it funny that my greatest critic is another chicken keeper!

 

[Dzzzyd]

I finally told one of my neighbors I had the chicks. She said " You have what ?" and looked at me like I was nuts.

Then she smiled and said she's be over for breakfast.

 

[Dzzzyd]

Judymae, I get the same thing from some of my family. Especially from two of my sons. Sadly I don't live on 5 acres though. We live in town.

 

[New chicken family]

We have been preparing for chicks for about 6 months now! My husband suggested we get them.
I said are you SURE?! Are you SURE you want to take care of them in January?!? (We live in Wisconsin!)

Now I am totally takenover! I am in chicken love! And so is my oldest daughter (she is 9.)

I am the one doing the research and careing for them - stayin up late - to check on them if we make changes....

My Parents were on vacation for 5 weeks and just came back - his comment was "I never thought you would turn into a chicken farmer."

Neither did I!!!

We live in the city and have a 4 hen limit.....
I now wished we lived just out of the city so I could have more and a rooster!!

 

[JamieandShady]

Well I thank you all for your comments. I totally relate! Maybe I'll just let my freak flag fly.

I'm 22, married, and just graduated from college. I am trying to get veggie gardening down so I can grow most of my own food. Most of my friends are concerned about shopping for new clothes, going out, etc...and I'm concerned about if my baby chicks are getting enough grit and if I'm feeding my squash enough.

Its funny how hard it can be to convince people of the benefits of chickens- both environmentally and economically. And then there's their totally cute personalities to boot! (My black austrolorp- Jasmine- comes running anytime she sees me. At first I thought she wanted a treat, but then I realized she just wanted to cuddle and make a nest in my hair

)

 

[mom'sfolly]

I live in Round Rock and I've had the same reaction. Embrace the "weird chicken person" vibe. In the crunchy granola circles of Austin the easy response is "I want a connection to my food". Nobody needs to know that you love chickens. Here, you can come for all the positive re-enforcement that you need. We're all chicken enablers extraordinare. We've all had both positive and negative responses...but we all know the rewards far outstrip any hard words. Welcome!

Karen