Newbie Intro: Mama Needs a Worm!

[MamaNeedsAWorm]

Hey everyone!

Excited to finally join this awesome chicken forum! You can call me Mama Needs a Worm – pretty fitting with two little chicks of my own, ages 2 and 4!

We're currently in the planning stages of bringing six fluffy little chicks home next spring, and I'm soaking up all the knowledge I can.

My biggest question right now is: Is raising chickens doable with toddlers/preschoolers in the mix? Any insights, tips, or tales of your experiences (good or bad!) would be hugely appreciated. I want to make sure it's a positive experience for everyone.

Also, I'd love to hear your recommendations for winter-hardy and friendly chicken breeds. We get some pretty chilly winters here in New Jersey, and since the kids will likely want to interact with them, a docile temperament is a big plus.

Looking forward to learning from all of you and sharing our chicken journey!

Happy clucking!

 

[CCsGarden]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[muddy75]

 

[N F C]

Hi, I think raising a flock is entirely doable with young children around. Teach them how to pick up and hold the chicks, keep the birds away from the kids faces so no one gets pecked in the eye and wash their hands well after handling.

Best wishes!

 

[sourland]

Hello, and welcome to BYC. Kids and chickens are possible following normal sanitary procedures and monitoring all interactions. Kids can inadvertently injure chicks/small birds.

 

[janiedoe]

Welcome to BYC. You're getting good advice from @N F C & @sourland

 

[Debbie292d]

Hiya, and welcome to BYC!

Last year, someone who bought chicks from me sent me adorable pictures of their 3 and 4-year-olds holding them. Two weeks later, she wrote me that one of the chicks had splayed legs, and it was that way when she bought it. I told her how to fix it and assured her it didn't leave here like that. I won't sell her any more chicks.

I think it'd be great for little ones to be involved with raising chicks into chickens with proper parental supervision. This way, you're instilling your love for the birds in them as well.

We're glad you're here!

Edited to add: We raise silkies here in Wisconsin. They are cuddly, beautiful, and friendly. They withstand the cold pretty well in that they can go outside if it's 20F or higher. We heat the coops to 40F.

 

[DobieLover]

Hello and welcome to BYC! Glad you joined.

Australorps, Ameraucanas, Chanteclers.

 

[007Sean]

Howdy, and Welcome to Backyard Chickens.

Happy to have you here with us. Enjoy your time here at BYC!

Thanks for joining our community!

 

[Bsmac]

Hey everyone!

Excited to finally join this awesome chicken forum! You can call me Mama Needs a Worm – pretty fitting with two little chicks of my own, ages 2 and 4!

We're currently in the planning stages of bringing six fluffy little chicks home next spring, and I'm soaking up all the knowledge I can.

My biggest question right now is: Is raising chickens doable with toddlers/preschoolers in the mix? Any insights, tips, or tales of your experiences (good or bad!) would be hugely appreciated. I want to make sure it's a positive experience for everyone.

Also, I'd love to hear your recommendations for winter-hardy and friendly chicken breeds. We get some pretty chilly winters here in New Jersey, and since the kids will likely want to interact with them, a docile temperament is a big plus.

Looking forward to learning from all of you and sharing our chicken journey!

Happy clucking!

Welcome to BYC! It is an awesome place!