I've fallen out of chicken love

[User395221]

I don't know the answer to that

I actually posted a thread asking that same question. You can read the replies I got here https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/are-chickens-breedist.1072108/

 

[ILuvMyFlock]

I don't love birds. These guys are all about eggs for me. Obviously, I try and take the best care of them..... so they'll lay more eggs. They're livestock with a purpose. And, besides which, I was being lied to and couldn't work out what was wrong!

That's their eggs, the eggs belong to them, thankfully they share them with us.

See there's SO much more to chickens or any other bird than what they can give us. Sadly many are too focused on receiving than they are giving. Birds give back in more than just meat and eggs, they have a whole lot of love to give. I could never cull any of my pets, and I could careless if they ever lay another egg again, just having them here on the farm makes my life joyful.

 

[NotSoChickenLove]

That's their eggs, the eggs belong to them, thankfully they share them with us.

See there's SO much more to chickens or any other bird than what they can give us. Sadly many are too focused on receiving than they are giving. Birds give back in more than just meat and eggs, they have a whole lot of love to give. I could never cull any of my pets, and I could careless if they ever lay another egg again, just having them here on the farm makes my life joyful.

My chickens will get the very best care that I can give them, because I'm responsible for their health and wellbeing. However, kids do chores, plants are edible, cats catch rats, chickens lay eggs, and I pay for all of them. We all have a role, and that's how it is around here. If I have a fruit tree that never fruits, it goes. I would not keep chickens that didn't lay - with the one exception of older chickens that have laid for me for years. I'll pay for their retirement.

They're doing funnier things as I get to know them, though. Maybe I'll find value in them beyond eggs one day!

 

[ILuvMyFlock]

My chickens will get the very best care that I can give them, because I'm responsible for their health and wellbeing. However, kids do chores, plants are edible, cats catch rats, chickens lay eggs, and I pay for all of them. We all have a role, and that's how it is around here. If I have a fruit tree that never fruits, it goes. I would not keep chickens that didn't lay - with the one exception of older chickens that have laid for me for years. I'll pay for their retirement.

They're doing funnier things as I get to know them, though. Maybe I'll find value in them beyond eggs one day!

I hope so... I just don't understand that thinking... seems a tad selfish to me...

 

[lazy gardener]

My chickens will get the very best care that I can give them, because I'm responsible for their health and wellbeing. However, kids do chores, plants are edible, cats catch rats, chickens lay eggs, and I pay for all of them. We all have a role, and that's how it is around here. If I have a fruit tree that never fruits, it goes. I would not keep chickens that didn't lay - with the one exception of older chickens that have laid for me for years. I'll pay for their retirement.

They're doing funnier things as I get to know them, though. Maybe I'll find value in them beyond eggs one day!

Very well stated. In addition to providing tasty eggs, they also perform other important functions. Insect control: My neighbors have terrible issues with ticks. Me not so much. I'm guessing the tick population is at least 90% less in my yard. They also control garden pests, keep Japanese beetles from destroying the lawn. Weed control: They do a fantastic job with fall garden clean up. Ongoing fertilization program for lawn and garden. Entertainment: I have several hens and chicks that beg for attention. I love the way Jack communicates with his harem. Watching the miracle of a chick as it develops in the egg, and continuing on to watch her as she matures till she is also giving me eggs. And, the fresh stews. While culling is never enjoyable, I consider it to be an important part of good flock stewardship. I know that my birds receive good care, and I am not purchasing factory farm chicken that is mass produced and processed under horrifying conditions. If I ever have a bird in my flock that is ill, she is given a merciful exit, instead of being kept alive to suffer a painful lingering death. I am appalled that someone would call your or my husbandry methods selfish.

 

[Chandra Prater]

Chickens can be total racists. If you have a mixed flock, it's usually not so bad. However, if you have an odd man out, sometimes the others will gang up on her. It's less racist and more xenophobic, I guess.

 

[NotSoChickenLove]

I am appalled that someone would call your or my husbandry methods selfish.

Some people are just bird people and bond with birds. I'm not one of them. I'm a cat person. Doesn't mean that I won't take very good care of any animal I'm responsible for, but the cat is the only freeloader around here! Anyway, the poster above can be assured that, now they're laying, these chickens have the best home I can give them for life. Even when they eventually stop laying. They're part of the team now.

 

[JaeG]

They do say ducks are like dogs and chickens are like cats, so they may worm their way into your heart! I grew up with a few pet birds but swore I'd never have birds as they are so messy.

Now we have finches and bourkes parakeets, plus the quail and the chickens. I adore them, especially our hand reared finches (two of my pairs are useless parents, plus I ended up with mice breaking into my aviary and eating my finch babies requiring me to take over or leave the rest of that clutch of chicks to be picked off). You'll soon realise the term "bird brain" is actually a compliment.

 

[NotSoChickenLove]

They do say ducks are like dogs and chickens are like cats, so they may worm their way into your heart! I grew up with a few pet birds but swore I'd never have birds as they are so messy.

Now we have finches and bourkes parakeets, plus the quail and the chickens. I adore them, especially our hand reared finches (two of my pairs are useless parents, plus I ended up with mice breaking into my aviary and eating my finch babies requiring me to take over or leave the rest of that clutch of chicks to be picked off). You'll soon realise the term "bird brain" is actually a compliment.

I'm just starting to work out bird logic! I'm surprised how stroppy they are. I thought of birds as quite fragile, anxious sorts of creatures, but these girls know exactly what they want and don't hesitate to communicate that. I find myself racing home on the days that I work to let them out for a flutter and hop before their bedtime, and going out at lunchtime to stock up on mealworms..... Can't say I love them, but they're certainly part of the crew now.

 

[User395221]

I'm surprised how stroppy they are.

They all have different personalities, too. There are bossy ones, and "hide in the background" ones and all sorts. You can look at a photo of a flock and they all look the same, but meet them in person and live with them and you find out that they are not all the same at all.