New and feeling overwhelmed

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MorahLaura

MorahLaura

In the Brooder
10 Years
May 14, 2009
14
0
22
Westerm Mass.
Hi, Everyone.

I'm sort of new to chickens and it's time for me to start spending more time here so I can learn from the experts.

I say "sort of new" because I have a masters' degree in avian sciences from Univ Calif. Davis (I've had it for 10 years and have forgotten most of what I learned!) and also I don't have any chickens yet. My 6-yr-old daughter's kindergarten class got fertile eggs and an incubator and since our family has been thinking/planning/wanting to get chickens for over a year now, we volunteered to take the chicks when they hatch.

So I'm at the point now where it's time to get supplies and housing ready for these babies (I think I have 2 weeks to go!) and I barely know where to start. I've read books and taken notes and read a lot on this site. I've drawn up my own design plans to build a coop but I'm completely daunted by the actual *doing* of it. Not to mention the fact that I'm a stay at home mom with a 2-yr-old daughter and an 8-month-old son. So I can't exactly get out the power tools during the day when I'm home alone with them!

My husband really wants chickens but seems just as dounted and unable to offer anything more than moral support.

Anyone have any advice, especially on getting over the "are we really doing this" hump, and how you manage with little kids at home???

Thanks in advance!
-Laura in Western Massachusetts
 
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from Alabama!
 
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Jump on in-the water's fine! Seriously, there are a lot of people on here that would be glad to help, just ask away!
P.S Post count number isn't always a clear indicator of a person's experience, though!
 
The kids will love the chicks. Just monitor them when they hold them, especially while they (the kids) are younger and also be sure they wash their hands well after handling them.

As far as building the coop, good luck! I am lucky that my husband enjoys building things. You will start them out in a brooder, so don't feel stressed about building a pen just yet. You still have a little time.
 
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from Georgia!!
I don't call myself an expert but I will be glad to help you and your family anyway I can.
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This is a great site filled with great and smart people!! You will get hooked.
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I found a good book about raising chickens and followed it closely. I learned you can over worry about things so just research the basics and learn as you go. This sight has taught me many tips and tricks not found in the book.

My 2 year old son loves to look at the chicks and feed the chickens. He is a little rough on eggs though, he thinks they are balls and will toss one at me if I am not watching him closely.

I am sure you will love you new chicks for years to come.
 
Set your oldest child up with a "play staion" with lots of things to keep her interested. Get a play pen or grab a grandparent for the youngest... Take evryone out, make sure they are in plain sight, and set up your own work station. The kids will stay busy and you can still keep an eye on them and work!! Or if your oldest wants to "help" let her while the youngest is busy, she will be right there with you and feel involved.... I too am a stay at home mom, i build my own coops, stalls, fences, with a kid on each hip.... YOU CAN DO IT! Also, your coop and run dont have to be "perfect", these chickens dont care what it looks like.. As long as it keeps them safe! Good luck & keep us updated!

Ps. Look and feel confident about it, it will rub off on your DH and he may just find the carpenter side of himself lol
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