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

[joydix]

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How many of our peeps are really new to raising chickens and how many are old-timers?

In addition to answering the poll, please reply with some fun details, like:

What got you interested in raising chickens?
Did you ever "take a break" and not have chickens?
What breeds did you start with, how many, and do you have any pictures to share?

So 7 years this time. BUT I had chickens when my kids were little for 10 years. They r mid and late 30’s now. Now the grandkids r enjoying them.

 

[daviechik]

On and off for 7 years, i grew up loving farm animals but lacked places to keep them. As an adult ive taken every opportunity to have them... now as a homeowner, i can have as many as i like (within restrictions of our area). Ive always loved my buff orphingtons and added quite the blend to my newest flock (took an almost 2yr break) but still was sure to order buffs. The most i ever had at one time was 25 meat birds and 12 eggers... now i have 21 eggers and 3 goslings on order

 

[CookieChookie]

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How many of our peeps are really new to raising chickens and how many are old-timers?

In addition to answering the poll, please reply with some fun details, like:

What got you interested in raising chickens?
Did you ever "take a break" and not have chickens?
What breeds did you start with, how many, and do you have any pictures to share?

I moved north over 3 years ago to look after my mum when it became obvious she could no longer look after herself because of dementia. Mum had 3 full grown chickens at the time. She talked me into buying another 3 baby chicks. Then one weekend I was away and my nephew was looking after mum and she made him take her to the pet shop where she bought another 6 baby chicks. I had to look after them all as mum wasn’t really capable. I grew to love them. We’ve had a few die and a few taken by pythons but I’ve still got 4 left. Mum passed away not even a month ago so I’m very glad I’ve still got some of her chickens as they never fail to cheer me up when I’m feeling blue.

 

[chrissynemetz]

I got my first flock of chickens for my 10'th birthday....100 three day old white Leghorn chicks.
That was a LONG time ago. I've learned a lot since then. And I'm still learning every day.

 

[fairfeatherfriend]

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How many of our peeps are really new to raising chickens and how many are old-timers?

In addition to answering the poll, please reply with some fun details, like:

What got you interested in raising chickens?
Did you ever "take a break" and not have chickens?
What breeds did you start with, how many, and do you have any pictures to share?

We began as a home school project. which quickly became "Mom's Project" after a year or two. To replenish the flock, we even got the neighbors and local 4-H kids involved when who participated in raising chicks. We are winding down now, however, and have had the same 6 hens for the last 4 or 5 years. Over the years we have had many different breeds - buff orpington's Rhode Island res, black astralorps, gold laced and silver laced Wyandottes barred Plymouth rock...

 

[JillD413]

Fall of 2019 was the beginning of my second year of retirement. A chance trip to Tractor Supply found me standing at the pen looking at baby chicks once again. I have been eyeing baby chicks for a few years. My dear husband had encouraged me to make the leap to become a chicken momma. I designed our coop and we both did the construction. We are strictly small time chicken folks. While the kind of birds we got are dual purpose, they are all pets. As time goes by I find there is so much to learn. This website has been an excellent source of information and encouragement! Thanks a bunch ladies and gentlemen!
I have added a few pictures of our little setup and the girls.

 

[JillD413]

February 12th it will be four years. I lost my only child to a sudden death in 2003. I tried a lot of different things to move on and live again, and I'm sure it all helped a little. It wasn't until we bought a little property on a river complete with wildlife and a rain forest that I found some peace again. Chickens arrived about a year into this new life and saved mine. Still haven't gotten over the loss, but I have made friends with the pain and am able to live a mostly happy life. Maybe this is TMI, but it is directly related to having chickens for me.

I started with 6, 2 Australorps, 2 RIRs, and 2 Buff Orpingtons. Of that flock, I only have Lucy (avatar) left. Each one of those losses was heartbreaking.

At this time I have 8 hens, 3 BOs, 3 Australorps, and 2 RIRs. I also have 4 at nearly 5 mos, 2 Lavender Orpington pullets, 1 Lavender Orpington cockerel, and 1 Buff Orpington cockerel. The last two are a little trouble at the moment, but they are being given every chance to grow up here.

Here's a few pictures. First is Mad Hatter. Second is Alice.
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Third is Alice and Abby, fourth is Pippi Longshot (who owns my heart),
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And finally most of the hens, hanging out together at one end of the run while we trimmed trees at the other end.
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Pippi was the only chick hatched out in my incubator. I picked up Mad and the girls to be brooder mates for him. Here is my sweet Pippi's beginning:
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And finally, a video I've shared several times of one of my first hens who liked to give the benediction at the end of each day:

 

[JillD413]

February 12th it will be four years. I lost my only child to a sudden death in 2003. I tried a lot of different things to move on and live again, and I'm sure it all helped a little. It wasn't until we bought a little property on a river complete with wildlife and a rain forest that I found some peace again. Chickens arrived about a year into this new life and saved mine. Still haven't gotten over the loss, but I have made friends with the pain and am able to live a mostly happy life. Maybe this is TMI, but it is directly related to having chickens for me.

I started with 6, 2 Australorps, 2 RIRs, and 2 Buff Orpingtons. Of that flock, I only have Lucy (avatar) left. Each one of those losses was heartbreaking.

At this time I have 8 hens, 3 BOs, 3 Australorps, and 2 RIRs. I also have 4 at nearly 5 mos, 2 Lavender Orpington pullets, 1 Lavender Orpington cockerel, and 1 Buff Orpington cockerel. The last two are a little trouble at the moment, but they are being given every chance to grow up here.

Here's a few pictures. First is Mad Hatter. Second is Alice.
View attachment 2009947View attachment 2009948
Third is Alice and Abby, fourth is Pippi Longshot (who owns my heart),
View attachment 2009949View attachment 2009950
And finally most of the hens, hanging out together at one end of the run while we trimmed trees at the other end.
View attachment 2009952
Pippi was the only chick hatched out in my incubator. I picked up Mad and the girls to be brooder mates for him. Here is my sweet Pippi's beginning:
View attachment 2009958View attachment 2009959
And finally, a video I've shared several times of one of my first hens who liked to give the benediction at the end of each day:

I am so sorry for your loss and equally happy that your heart and mind have found a measure of peace. Thank you a for sharing your journey. These beauties are fortunate to have such caring humans.

 

[JillD413]

Going on 5 years for me!
It's been a lot of fun, a LOT of learning and a bit of heartache too. I can't imagine not having chickens

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Beautiful flock! I wouldn’t have expected anything else. You are a good egg!

 

[JillD413]

6 years! Started with 6 baby australorps back in 2014. 2 are still alive and kicking.

Now I'm pretty much living in a zoo. Too many chickens to count...

Living in a zoo. Now that’s funny! Love it!!!