I agree with jvls1942 - if you already feel strapped for time, I would not start with day old chicks. Little Peeps can require some time if you want to make sure you don't lose too many. Keeping on top of Pasty Butt, monitoring their heat and environment, keeping the brooder clean, etc. requires more time than you may have - especially if you are both working full time. It just takes some time and it sounds like you really don't have much spare time.
If you really want chickens, I suggest layers - and start with pullets. Checking for eggs, feeding and changing out the water probably only takes about 5 minutes a day. Cleaning up the coop (scooping out built up poop, adding shavings every few days) takes maybe another 5. But if you have only 6 or so pullets, it would probably take less. We pick up feed when we need it and are in town for groceries anyway.
I spend a lot of time with my chickens, but it's because I want to. If I only worried about caring for them, it would probably only take 10 minutes a day at most.
You're smart to ask these questions before venturing into it. You'll get enough info here to decide.
Best of luck,
Penny
If you really want chickens, I suggest layers - and start with pullets. Checking for eggs, feeding and changing out the water probably only takes about 5 minutes a day. Cleaning up the coop (scooping out built up poop, adding shavings every few days) takes maybe another 5. But if you have only 6 or so pullets, it would probably take less. We pick up feed when we need it and are in town for groceries anyway.
I spend a lot of time with my chickens, but it's because I want to. If I only worried about caring for them, it would probably only take 10 minutes a day at most.
You're smart to ask these questions before venturing into it. You'll get enough info here to decide.
Best of luck,
Penny