POLL: Chickens - easier, same or harder then you thought, once you got them?

[Cluky]

So I am THIIIIIS close to getting chickens. Got the space, will get equipment etc. But something is stopping me, just that knot in my stomack or not knowing you know. So would like to know what people think about chicken owning...

 

[StarLover21]

It's VERY easy! Don't worry at all! MUCH easier than I expected.

 

[7L Farm]

How many birds we talking about ? Coop building ain't easy or cheap. The reason I'm asking how many birds is because that will deternine how big the coop has to be. Building the coop & run is by far the hardest part. Another aspect is caring for the birds. I'm not trying to tell you not to do it just what it takes. The birds are depending on you to help them along the way. They need fresh water everyday & feed. Then egg collecting . They can get sick so you gotta help them if this problem comes up. Bottom line is you gotta be responsible for them.

 

[hearts34]

Yes, definitely worth it for me. I grew up with chickens, and didn't realize how I missed them until I got some more. It was aggravating getting started with building the coop & run. And I won't stop getting different varieties, so the pens keep expanding.
I need to know the phone # of the local chickens anonymous chapter.

 

[Cluky]

So this isn't a thread where I ask what to do with the chickens. I am well aware of what to do with them and how to take care of them. I am more asking for opinions of what people thought the responsibility was and what it ended up being.

 

[Cluky]

Yeah I cannot expand I live in city. So at most 6 birds ever. or a bit more bantams...we'll see. I am leaning toward bantams for now though.

 

[heath_elisha]

Chickens are sooooooooo much more fun and addicting then you can imagine. You will fall in love...... they are just like taking care of a cat. You have a "litter box" to clean once and a while..... keep food and water out all the time for them to eat as the please..... occasionally treat them for mites or worms..... give them all your table scraps.....watch them and see that they all have a great personalilty....... and you get fresh eggs in return! Really is fun... you will not be disappointed.

 

[Cluky]

Ha ha that is what it seems like. Don't get me wrong, I am prepared to work. Including during cold and snowy Chicago winters, so I do realize the amount of work. I am actually welcoming the work since there isn't much else to do in winters around here anyway.

 

[duckinnut]

Chicken raising is as hard or easy as you make it. One simple rule: don't over think it. Oh yeah don't forget the KISS rule.

 

[Reurra]

Well, when I started looking into chickens, I was pretty excited. I was lucky and only had to buy the wire for my coop, most of the supplies were already on the property. Looking back though, lumber wise it would ahve cost about $200 or more. Thats hinges, nails, U pegs for the wire, ply wood too. Providing you have the tools it should not be much more. I paid $150 for all the wire mesh, 1/2 inch and the 1" chicken mesh. Totalling close to $350-$400

When i did get my birds I still continued reading about them. And then I started reading about diseases. Long lists of diseases!

So now, I have a very paranoid fear of my birds dying because of...well ANYthing.

I almost feel i need a pharmacist in the basement, a Vet in the garage and a Biohazard suit just to touch my birds!

Im sure with time I will calm down, but if you really obsess about the little things, you will loose out on the fun of having chickens. Ive gotten to the point now where I'm almost sad because a lot of the joy was robbed by the horror stories I read here. Now every twitch my birds make could be a possible sign of imminent death!

If you are going to get chickens, look over the diseases page and really think about how you would be able to handle some of the serious complications and health issues that comes with owning chickens.

Yes there is a dark side and it can be very sad, but it is very real. On the other hand, owning chickens can be a complete joy! being able to sit and watch them is so much fun! They are so silly, goofy and full of personality! So if you really are wanting tog et them, read read read and think for a loooong time! Owning chickens is like being responsible for any living thing. You can just get bored and walk away. Once you start, you are in it for the long haul! Not to mention if you get chicken fever, you will never be the same again!