I have been toying with the idea of getting chickens. I would really like to raise day-old-chicks so that my family (Me, hubby, 5 year-old Olivia, 1 year-old Vanessa, 14 year-old Miniature Schnauzer Jocser ((Jock-sir)) and 2 year old MinPin Manny) can become comfortable with the chicks and the chicks to us. I am just worried that I don't have the time to care for vulnerable babies. I work 1 hour away from home so the chicks would be alone in the brood box, in our climate controlled garage, from about 7:30am to 6:00pm. My husband is not yet thrilled about my new obsession to have chickens, so he would not be willing to come home at lunch time to check on them. Plus he builds swimming pools for a living and his season is getting started early this year so he also doesn't have the time. So my questions becomes, If I get day-old-chicks, would they be ok from 7:30am to 6:00pm by themselves or should I abandon this idea and get older chicks or adult chickens? Thanks ahead of time for all the help and information!
That is a good question. It really depends how much time you want to put into bonding with the baby chicks. Certain breeds bond much easier than others. I began my time with chickens in 2008 and got 6 leghorn hens. No bonding there at all. But I learned a bunch. Then my girlfriend got me hooked to this forum and looking at other breeds of chickens. This is my 5th year with chickens and we are presently have 48 chickens, 32 ducks, 27 duck eggs in the incubator, 6 more ducks coming along with 4 african geese. (very addictive). I plan on bonding with the geese for sure and my husband is going to try bonding with some of the ducks. In actuality, chickens do not take alot of time or work. I usually spend about 10 to 30 minutes in the mornging and the same in the afternoon (collecting eggs, watering, and basic care). To clean the coop, that depends how clean you want it and how often you plan on doing that. Playing (watching them and hand feeding them) can take hours and hours. I work during the day from 6:30 to 4 and when I get home, I would usually pick up a chick and spend 10 to 15 minutes with it and then get another while I was watching TV or working around the house. They will poop on you so wear older clothes that you do not mind that. One of my hens that I bonded with used to come and sit on my foot so I would pick her up and carry her around. She was hatched out under a hen but through the winter, every time I went in the coop, I would pick her up, feed her corn from my hand and walk around with her. So it really is up to you what age you get. Baby chicks can stay "home" by themselves but make sure they are in a secure place with fresh water and plenty of food. Have fun!
Chicks are pretty easy. They need a heat lamp, a brooder, food and water. Baby chicks don't take much time at all. Most of the time we spend with them is playing with them. Of course the older they get the mover messy they are.
You would be surprised at how little time it takes to care for chicks, also how little time spent with them for them to be comfortable with you. When looking in on them have a little treat in hand even if it's their starter feed, then you can give them a stroke or two on their back or sides. My chicks loved to have their chests stroked. I'd say ===go for it and ENJOY!!
My husband and I both work and we've been able to deal with the chickens without difficulties. I have two babies right now, in fact. Plus I have 6 adult hens. I make sure they have clean water, plenty of food and dry bedding. I do spend time with them every day, though, to get them used to being handled. They enjoy sitting on my shoulder and getting their heads scratched. I think being able to handle them is really important, as you may need to do this if they become ill. All of my girls will jump up on my lap for pets and cuddles.
