If you feed them, they will come.

[MOZFarm]

I don't have my own flock yet, but I'm planning and learning for Spring 2015. I was bitten by the chicken obsession when our new neighbors 6 hens stopped by once for a visit a few months ago. I was completely devoid of any chicken knowledge, but I learned so much by just observing them that first day. Since then the hens started coming by a couple times a week. Eventually, they clued their rooster into the fine foraging found on our grounds with lots of crickets, frogs, ants and tons of sheltering areas to avoid the peering eyes of birds of prey. One of the RIR hens disappeared one day so it is down to 2 Barred Rock, 1 Rhode Island Red, 2 Buff Orpington hens and the roo is a mighty handsome Blue Laced Red Wyandotte. Thanks to this site for educating me and members who have helped me ID the chicken breeds!
After months of sporadic visits they now come over daily. I'm glad to have them since we've noticed a marked decrease of bugs since they've been visiting. Yesterday I finally was brave enough to give them a treat (properly chicken ok). This morning the bravest hen followed me into the outhouse looking for an early treat. Later the roo brought his flock by for the treat I had saved for them this morning.
My husband now, jokingly, says I'm trying to kidnap the flock. LOL

 

[scratch'n'peck]

Ha, these chickens might not want to share treats with your chicken flock once you get them in 2015. They may wonder who your interlopers think they are invading their extended territory.

LOL, I would be doing the same thing in your situation if I did not have my own chickens.

 

[MOZFarm]

Weird. The missing RIR hen has reappeared. Then one of the BO's dissapeared for several days. Now all six hens and the roo have been seen here the last couple of days. I wonder what's been going on.

(starts thinking there might be baby chicks at the neighbor's)

 

[islandgirl82]

Weird. The missing RIR hen has reappeared. Then one of the BO's dissapeared for several days. Now all six hens and the roo have been seen here the last couple of days. I wonder what's been going on.

(starts thinking there might be baby chicks at the neighbor's)

They may have gone broody for a few days then decided against it. Or the owner could have had them isolated for any number of reasons. Keep going the way you are, and you may wind up with a permanent already established flock and it'll be your neighbors starting from scratch. lol

 

[MOZFarm]

They may have gone broody for a few days then decided against it.  Or the owner could have had them isolated for any number of reasons.  Keep going the way you are, and you may wind up with a permanent already established flock and it'll be your neighbors starting from scratch.  lol

Well, I don't want to be a chicken rustler. LOL
My husband says that I have the best situation. Chickens that I enjoy watching and spoiling a bit, but I never have to clean a coop, pay vet bills, pay for feed or other maintenance. Hmm, sounds like I've got some grandchickens. LOL

 

[islandgirl82]

Well, I don't want to be a chicken rustler. LOL
My husband says that I have the best situation. Chickens that I enjoy watching and spoiling a bit, but I never have to clean a coop, pay vet bills, pay for feed or other maintenance. Hmm, sounds like I've got some grandchickens. LOL

The only thing you don't get out of this deal is the egg benefit. That's half the fun! I hadn't really baked in years until I got my first flock and I have to say, there is nothing like a quiche or custard made with homegrown eggs...or cracking one open on the skillet right after it's been collected.

You may be onto something with your neighbor though...some sort of communal flock, splitting not just the responsibilities but the eggs and entertainment...You wouldn't have to worry about their flock invading the territory of your future flock or the risk of diseases either. They may welcome the help in exchange for some eggs.

 

[MOZFarm]

The only thing you don't get out of this deal is the egg benefit.  That's half the fun!  I hadn't really baked in years until I got my first flock and I have to say, there is nothing like a quiche or custard made with homegrown eggs...or cracking one open on the skillet right after it's been collected. 

You may be onto something with your neighbor though...some sort of communal flock, splitting not just the responsibilities but the eggs and entertainment...You wouldn't have to worry about their flock invading the territory of your future flock or the risk of diseases either.  They may welcome the help in exchange for some eggs. 

That's a good idea too. Great suggestion. It might satisfy me until I can get my own flock in 2015.

 

[islandgirl82]

That's a good idea too. Great suggestion. It might satisfy me until I can get my own flock in 2015.

It would certainly give you some first hand experience before getting your own next spring and personally, I find bartering a lot more satisfying than just handing someone cash for goods. Do you have any particular breeds in mind?

 

[MOZFarm]

It would certainly give you some first hand experience before getting your own next spring and personally, I find bartering a lot more satisfying than just handing someone cash for goods.  Do you have any particular breeds in mind? 

Yes I do. I am totally enamored with Wyandottes. Especially Silver Laced, Blue Laced Reds and Columbians.

 

[islandgirl82]

Oh they're lovely. I have a Silver Laced hen, Audrey Hepburn (because she's gorgeous). She's 3-4 years old now (a rescue) and she still gives me 5 eggs each week. I love the Silver Penciled Wyandottes too...they're feather patterns remind me of tweed.