I hate chickens!!!

[equinehugger3]

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As in cock fighting? That would flip my lid!

I would have a hard time not going off!

OMG Me too!

 

[IdealisticRoo]

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I agree! I have days where I get so frustrated with them, it's like they plan to leave there poos in the most obvious places! They do smell and there is SO much work involved in keeping the henhouses so I feel like I can eat (the eggs) out of them!

Most people really do have the impression that they are dirty and smelly. One of my parent's friends who also keeps chickens called them "pigs with feathers"!

I don't care, I still love them!

 

[mame1616]

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I agree! I have days where I get so frustrated with them, it's like they plan to leave there poos in the most obvious places! They do smell and there is SO much work involved in keeping the henhouses so I feel like I can eat (the eggs) out of them!

Most people really do have the impression that they are dirty and smelly. One of my parent's friends who also keeps chickens called them "pigs with feathers"!

I don't care, I still love them!

I've heard them called "rats with wings."

It's like any animal - the sacrifices are made because of the joy of having the animal there. IMO, there is no messier pet than a caged bird. Constant crunchy mess on the floor, dust and feathers in the house, little poos if you let them fly around. But, then they sit on your shoulder and talk to you, and you don't care. (Excuse me while I go vacuum after my cockatiel!) When I've had potential people come over to see my birds, I don't clean anything. They have to know what they're getting into, and that poop will be a part of their lives. But, remember, that is the reason why farm kids are the healthiest kids in the country - they walk around with poop all day. It's not just the outdoors.

 

[IdealisticRoo]

Mame1616- I fully agree, the sacrifice is worth the reward many times over!

I have 4 little dutch bantams in a large cage, because they were getting picked on by the other bantams that were hatched the same day as them! They are soooooo dirty! Dust everywhere, constantly kicking bedding around which results in flying poo! I wanted them to be "apartment chickens" when I move back to the city, but I don't want to have feathers, dust and poo flying everywhere!

That and the SLIGHT problem that 'Little Man' has started to crow (at only 7 weeks!), means he won't be joining his girls in the hypothetical apartment anyway! He is my favorite out of all my birds!

I don't care if I never leave the country! My chickens have turned a dedicated city dweller into a country lover! I know this, I will never be without a chicken again! I couldn't figure out what was missing from my life, after a few "you complete me" misses in the love life, I have figured out that having chickens is where its at!

 

[mame1616]

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Absolutely! When my now ex-husband said I could have chickens - I had wanted a dog - I fought him tooth and nail. Now I'm hoping to get a small farm so I can have more chickens! But I don't ever want to be without them either - funniest, easiest, and cheapest pets I've ever had!

 

[Muggsmagee]

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I agree! I have days where I get so frustrated with them, it's like they plan to leave there poos in the most obvious places! They do smell and there is SO much work involved in keeping the henhouses so I feel like I can eat (the eggs) out of them!

Most people really do have the impression that they are dirty and smelly. One of my parent's friends who also keeps chickens called them "pigs with feathers"!

I don't care, I still love them!

I've heard them called "rats with wings."

It's like any animal - the sacrifices are made because of the joy of having the animal there. IMO, there is no messier pet than a caged bird. Constant crunchy mess on the floor, dust and feathers in the house, little poos if you let them fly around. But, then they sit on your shoulder and talk to you, and you don't care. (Excuse me while I go vacuum after my cockatiel!) When I've had potential people come over to see my birds, I don't clean anything. They have to know what they're getting into, and that poop will be a part of their lives. But, remember, that is the reason why farm kids are the healthiest kids in the country - they walk around with poop all day. It's not just the outdoors.

You are so honest! I do a quick pick up if people are coming to check out the birds. I'm always afraid I've gotten acclimated to their daily "stink" and it is so much worse for other people. Even though they are cared for and happy, a fresh sprinkling of pine shavings just makes me feel better. Sort of like doing the dishes before company comes over!

Can we not call them puppies with beaks? They sometimes nip/bite, poo where they shouldn't, can be stinky, are curious, have no manners, wake us up when we really want to sleep, and cuddle...sometimes. Just throwing that out there!

 

[mame1616]

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I've heard them called "rats with wings."

It's like any animal - the sacrifices are made because of the joy of having the animal there. IMO, there is no messier pet than a caged bird. Constant crunchy mess on the floor, dust and feathers in the house, little poos if you let them fly around. But, then they sit on your shoulder and talk to you, and you don't care. (Excuse me while I go vacuum after my cockatiel!) When I've had potential people come over to see my birds, I don't clean anything. They have to know what they're getting into, and that poop will be a part of their lives. But, remember, that is the reason why farm kids are the healthiest kids in the country - they walk around with poop all day. It's not just the outdoors.

You are so honest! I do a quick pick up if people are coming to check out the birds. I'm always afraid I've gotten acclimated to their daily "stink" and it is so much worse for other people. Even though they are cared for and happy, a fresh sprinkling of pine shavings just makes me feel better. Sort of like doing the dishes before company comes over!

Cuddle?! You have chickens that CUDDLE?! Mine can barely stand me! I'm glad I'm big enough to override their wishes when it comes to hugging and kissing. That's what will probably keep me from getting bigger livestock that can actually hurt me if they don't want me around.

I also tell people to be prepared - if they have kids - for the ever-present chicken disease lurking in the background. You know, the one where the bird is fine one day, and dead the next, for no apparent reason? You don't really get that with other animals. And, don't forget about the rat problems. Geez, I sound like I hate them! This, after spending the afternoon wrapping their coop in plastic to eliminate drafts, and hand mixing about 10 lbs of feed with wheat germ oil and kelp. Did I get any thanks for this? No, just growling and shrieking when I picked up a couple to say good night! (Big, rolling-eyes sigh)
Can we not call them puppies with beaks? They sometimes nip/bite, poo where they shouldn't, can be stinky, are curious, have no manners, wake us up when we really want to sleep, and cuddle...sometimes. Just throwing that out there!