Is it worth it?

[Chickylove12]

If you have anxiety I think chickens would be super for you.

Me too!!!

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

I am fairly new to keeping chickens. I rely heavily on this site as well as my neighbor who also has chickens. I was a bit nervous at first. I started with 4 Lavender Orpington hens, 1 Lavender Orpington rooster and 1 Copper Maran rooster. Unfortunately I lost 2 of my hens. I was able to get 2 more hens - 1 Rhode Island Red- Poppy who is full of personality and 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte Lacey is who very laid back. I have 2 almost 4 month old Chocolate Orpingtons who are about to be introduced to the new flock this weekend when it begins to warm up. I also purchased 10 chicks just before Christmas- Bielefelders, Cream Legbars and 55 Flowering Hens- 2 of the chicks are roos and they're getting bigger each day with lots of personality. Once you start, you just can't stop. I enjoy going out for feeding time and watching them run to me for their food and treats.

So, all of this said, start small, get comfortable and let your coop grow!

Best of luck to you.

 

[Eggcessive]

Thankyou for your response and your tips. I am definetly researching and reading long before I even build a coop. I want to ensure they will be getting the best care. A little apprehensive about free range as there is seven acres of woods around me. Would love to let them free range for a period in the day when i am out there...however my presence may not detour a coyotee or a hawk. Will want a chicken mansion and a really big covered run though.

Free ranging is nerve racking at first. We have hawks, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, possums, and stray dogs and cats. I have lost a few over the years, but I could never deprive them of getting out every day to explore and forage. I am home mostly, but when I would first go off for a few hours, I would be nervous. Most predators will not be a problem if they are locked up in a secure coop from dusk until daylight. Hawks are more of a problem with young chicks and bantams, but I had one decapitated by a twosome that ganged up on a half blind polish hen.

Things like flystrike can be avoided if you can make sure that soiled vents are cleaned up, and any wounds are found early. I have never seen it ever, but in warm climates where flies are a problem, it happens.

 

[Chickylove12]

I hope you don't mind me chirping in (Hehehe, had to)

I think the only bug you need to concern yourself with is a chicken-keeping bug. I rescued a chicken a few days ago which was unplanned (never owned any bird before so totally oblivious as to what to do). Rehomed it to a member of this forum actually, which was unplanned.

It's been a single day since and I suddenly want chickens myself! :| They're so easy to love.

I've no experience with chickens, never owned any so what I say should be taken with a pinch of salt: Your level of concern is a pretty good indication that you're gonna make a good chicken owner, you've already got their welfare in mind and you're already in love with them despite not having them!

With proper boundries in place I don't see parasites being too much concern for you. Just remember to have a good quarantine in place, minimize any risk of exposure to other avians (I imagine they'd be the biggest risk to parasite transmission?) and have a good vet in place (just incase!).

Edit: Forgot to mention, it could be helpful to ensure your neighbours (if applicable) aren't going to have any issues with crowing!

Yez..ha ha..can you believe I already have names. Yes names and no coop built yet..and no chickens yet. I plan on going through the four seasons..taking photos of my back yard..to see where the best spot will be for shade..and some sun..make sure there are no big puddles in that area. Then I want my hubby to build the coop and I want it to sit empty through a winter..so I can ensure that there are no leaks. Am I paranoid or what. Yes..maybe some free eggs will make neighbours happy. I think they will be ok..they have had neighbours on the other side who have had chickens..who have since moved. I personally lOVE the sound of a rooster. Sooo are you going to do it too? I am in ontario canada.

 

[Chickylove12]

I am fairly new to keeping chickens. I rely heavily on this site as well as my neighbor who also has chickens. I was a bit nervous at first. I started with 4 Lavender Orpington hens, 1 Lavender Orpington rooster and 1 Copper Maran rooster. Unfortunately I lost 2 of my hens. I was able to get 2 more hens - 1 Rhode Island Red- Poppy who is full of personality and 1 Silver Laced Wyandotte Lacey is who very laid back. I have 2 almost 4 month old Chocolate Orpingtons who are about to be introduced to the new flock this weekend when it begins to warm up. I also purchased 10 chicks just before Christmas- Bielefelders, Cream Legbars and 55 Flowering Hens- 2 of the chicks are roos and they're getting bigger each day with lots of personality. Once you start, you just can't stop. I enjoy going out for feeding time and watching them run to me for their food and treats.

So, all of this said, start small, get comfortable and let your coop grow!

Best of luck to you.

Wow..so you have about 100 chickens? Does having more than one rooster..cause the roosters to fight? Silly question?

 

[Chickylove12]

Free ranging is nerve racking at first. We have hawks, raccoons, coyotes, foxes, possums, and stray dogs and cats. I have lost a few over the years, but I could never deprive them of getting out every day to explore and forage. I am home mostly, but when I would first go off for a few hours, I would be nervous. Most predators will not be a problem if they are locked up in a secure coop from dusk until daylight. Hawks are more of a problem with young chicks and bantams, but I had one decapitated by a twosome that ganged up on a half blind polish hen.

Things like flystrike can be avoided if you can make sure that soiled vents are cleaned up, and any wounds are found early. I have never seen it ever, but in warm climates where flies are a problem, it happens.

Thanku for that...the good thing is..my husband is home..retired. I am home after 12. So I sure dont mind going out with them to chicken sit while they free range. Geez..wish i could cover 2 acres with protection from hawks and predators. I think it would be sad if a predator got a chicken..but oh geez worse...if chicken got mangled and was still aluve.

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

Wow..so you have about 100 chickens? Does having more than one rooster..cause the roosters to fight? Silly question?

No, not a silly question. I kind of inherited Tyrone (Copper Maran). He escaped when I went to pick up the Lavender Orpingtons and due to our rescue mission with him, the owner decided to give him to me. As babies, they were fine. However, as they began to mature, there was constant fighting over the girls, which led to me having to get chicken aprons to protect their backs. I have since separated the girls from the boys. Rock (Lavender Orpington) is definitely in charge and he lets Tyrone know this. The two of them are now housed together and are doing fine.

 

[SimplyLivinthatFarmLife]

Yez..ha ha..can you believe I already have names. Yes names and no coop built yet..and no chickens yet. I plan on going through the four seasons..taking photos of my back yard..to see where the best spot will be for shade..and some sun..make sure there are no big puddles in that area. Then I want my hubby to build the coop and I want it to sit empty through a winter..so I can ensure that there are no leaks. Am I paranoid or what. Yes..maybe some free eggs will make neighbours happy. I think they will be ok..they have had neighbours on the other side who have had chickens..who have since moved. I personally lOVE the sound of a rooster. Sooo are you going to do it too? I am in ontario canada.

We love our roosters and have finally gotten used to their crowing at any time of the day!

 

[Chickylove12]

No, not a silly question. I kind of inherited Tyrone (Copper Maran). He escaped when I went to pick up the Lavender Orpingtons and due to our rescue mission with him, the owner decided to give him to me. As babies, they were fine. However, as they began to mature, there was constant fighting over the girls, which led to me having to get chicken aprons to protect their backs. I have since separated the girls from the boys. Rock (Lavender Orpington) is definitely in charge and he lets Tyrone know this. The two of them are now housed together and are doing fine.

Ahhh..love it!

 

[gocgo]

This is my first year with chickens and I've learned a lot. I haven't done everything right, but thanks to BYC, I've done a lot of things right. One thing I did was picked up some Corid right away. Eventually, you will need it and it works well. I did have to de-worm them once, but that was relatively painless. I put it in some yogurt and they scarfed it right up. You'll learn as you go and that's part of the fun of it. Go for it!