scared to take the plunge

[Jenny14]

I want to buy two hens from local friends who are organic farmers. I have been studying and researching and planning for several weeks. The problem is that I have been reading HORROR stories about lice and mites and them swarming all over family members. I'm very SCARED about this. Help!

 

[horsejody]

Quote:
Just read all of the happy stories on this forum. Lice and mites can be prevented and treated when they occur.

eta: Welcome

 

[ella]

Oh all the things to be scared of, don't be scared of that one! Chicken mites and lice can't survive on humans.

 

[farmerbrown]

I think we have been in chickens for 15 years. Our chickens had lice and mites less then our 3 kids had lice form school. It took 3 rounds with the chickens before we know what we were doing wrong with them.

The ones off the chickens will not stay on you unless you have the same type of skin as a chicken.

 

[namreknat]

Chickens are easier to take care of than alot of more common pets. Plus they give you fresh eggs for your care. Try it; you will like them!!

 

[mandolinmama]

Oh, you should just do it!

My birds have never had anything like that. Maybe they dust bathe enough to keep yucky stuff away? Either way, it wouldn't matter. I love my chickens and would treat them if need be.
I never in my wildest dreams thought that chickens were as smart as they are. If raised right, they can be like little lap dogs. Really. The best part is, my pets give me free organic eggs.
You won't regret having chickens.

Watch out though. It's hard to keep from getting more and more of them because they are such fantastic creatures. The addiction is powerful.

 

[miss_jayne]

go and look at the chickens. pick them up and look at their rumps, look through the feathers. smell their beaks.

give them a good once over. if they don't have any gross smells coming out of the nostrils, no clumps of lice on their bottoms and have bright, clear eyes, give it a go.

watch them for the next month or so for any signs of illness or stress.

if you're afraid, do it afraid! take a step and dive! there are plenty of us here to help you swim!

welcome! welcome!

 

[Comet Mum]

Jump in, the water is fine!

There is lots you don't know and lots you'll do wrong, but it is SO WORTH IT! You will learn something new every day about chicken behavior and they will just keep you laughing! Plus, you will gain confidence as you go.

As mandolinmama said, it is a POWERFUL addiction. Build a BIG coop!

 

[eggzettera]

&

Sorry, but if you truly are afraid you have come to the wrong place! Your birds will be a clean as you keep them, just like any other pet. Why don't you talk to your friend about your concerns, then she can show you that her birds are healthy & go over treatment plans if anything goes wrong in the future. Plus you will have all of us to support/feed your future addiciton.

 

[happyhens]

I have owned chickens for about 8 years, and the only problem I have had was with leg mites. All it took was some vaseline and it was gone in no time. That was about 2 years ago and I haven't had any more problems. If you keep your coop clean mites and lice shouldn't be a problem. Stop worrying and have fun!