Official BYC Poll: How Long Have You Been Raising Chickens?

[sourland]

And there I remain 75+ years.

 

[featherhead007]

And there I remain 75+ years.

If it makes you feel any better, I will say 75 and over, but I would be untruthful.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I hope to some day be able to say I've had chickens for 75+ years

 

[sourland]

I hope to some day be able to say I've had chickens for 75+ years

There are drawbacks in being able to say that - positives too.

 

[Wyorp Rock]

I don't have any chickens yet, but I have a small flock of guinea fowl. We got our guineas as one day old keets on May 13, 2015! I trained them when they were little to come when called using white millet. My family had never had any farm animals before this adventure. Since I am battling severe neurological Lyme disease and co-infections and my family was being repeatedly bitten by ticks we knew we had to do something. The tipping point was when the three of us had a combined 9 tick bites in a week and a half just walking out to the car in the driveway! With wanting to avoid toxic chemicals at all costs since food is grown on our farm we opted for guinea fowl and a natural essential oil tick spray we put on our bodies when outside. Since doing these two things I have not been bitten by a tick. At the time I was doing infusions at home with a surgically placed Hickman catheter in my chest so I had to wear gloves and keep my chest protected, but I am glad we got them! I am still very ill so each day is a struggle, but I am hopeful my doctors can help me get some of my health back.

Thank you for sharing!
I wish you well and hope your doctors are able to help you regain your health.

 

[fluffy9947]

I've had them off & on since I was a kid, just during the last year have been able to get them again. I love, love, LOVE my chickens! And have guinea, ducks, turkey, Bobwhite, Coturnix, goats & dogs too.
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Such lovely pics! I am sure all your animals are so happy!

 

[Pennys Mama]

Such lovely pics! I am sure all your animals are so happy!

They're happiest at feeding time!!!

 

[DJJD]

I have several different animals here. Most of the chickens I have now are from my original flock and I incubated majority of them. I have pigs and goats and ducks and and lol... And yes those are kittens in the corn bin with the chickens

 

[Fatimetta]

Yay! I've finally read everyone's' posts! I loved hearing each of your stories.

I first caught the chicken bug when I visited my dad's house in the summer of 2009. He had acquired a flock of some layers and 3 little roosters and I was fascinated watching them. The same day, two dogs came and nearly took out the flock, but we were able to herd the chickens back into their pen and save them. That's when I knew I just had to have them! I come from a long line of farmers and although my parents don't have a farm, I always feel most connected to my ancestors when I am taking care of my birds.

I got my first flock that summer as well (two black hens, a sumatra rooster and a free brahma rooster). I loved them soo much and was so happy when the raggedy little missing feathers hen I chose grew back her beautiful plumage! I then began a five year journey of hatching my own chicks and buying from hatcheries and trying out new breeds. The most I've ever had at once were 40 birds. I made my own chicken "business" (aka no profit whatsoever) and sold eggs to family and friends.

I had to take a break and go to college, but as soon as I landed my first "real" job, you bet I got myself a little coop and some hens! I now have one bantam mix rooster, 8 hens of all different breeds, and four 2 week old silkie chicks. I can't imagine not having these little stress relievers in my life!

Also, I keep a journal of each chicken I've ever had - all with names. My total number of birds ever is 94. The third picture down is my very first hen (you can see her missing feathers)

 

[sourland]

Just welcomed someone who is 83 years old. I'll have to get him to respond so that I am not alone in the 75 + bracket.