Introducing...Maggie!

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Magpie31

Magpie31

In the Brooder
8 Years
Mar 20, 2011
37
3
24
Sioux Falls, SD
Hello!

Thought I would introduce myself. I am a married Mom of two (DS is 15, DD is 9) with number three arriving in late September. We live in town in South Dakota...just bought our house in October. I have always wanted to have chickens (I don't know why, I suspect you all do, though...), and since I just discovered that our city allows backyard chickens (no roosters, and they can't become a bother to the neighbors) I am trying to convince my DH that we need a few little hens in our yard. He has many questions, so I am here to do some research! I have a feeling I am going to find the answers I need, and since he gets a dreamy look in his eye when I start talking about fresh eggs, it shouldn't be too hard to convince him. DD is firmly on my side, and DS is convinced that I have completely lost my mind...but what teenager isn't convinced his parents are loons?

I look forward to meeting everyone, and learning from all of you! Hopefully one day I will be the wise, experienced chicken-raiser who can impart my knowledge to others!
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Or at least the goofball having fun while I muddle through!

Maggie
 
Quote:
Oooo a Minnesotan! I lived in Mankato for years!

So, can I ask you something? How hard is it to keep the poor little things warm in one of our winters? Because that is the biggest thing I am worried about...
 
Maybe making it a project for your daughter will help win him over. I would caution against maing an argument for saving money if you want a little backyard flock... I tried that, and between the cost of the coop (free plan, cheap leftover paint/stain, cheapest possible lumber and plywood) and the feed, it is definitely not a great money saver. However, if you own your home and keep a good sized group for years and years, eventually it will become more cost effective. I view it more as a hobby, that repays us with friendly chickens and a few eggs every day. Once you start to get eggs, it is constant positive reinforcement. I think we'll always keep chickens, because it is really a lot of fun, and not too much work. One of the best money saving tips I can give you is to make friends with the produce guy at the grocery store. Our food co-op gives us big baskets of free produce trimmings and wilted lettuce, and that makes up about 50% of our chickens' diet.
 
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We are about to become a chicken family (11 days and counting!) and my DS - a teenager - also thinks I've fallen off my rocker. What do they know, anyway?
 

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