Seemed simple but the more I know.......

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Ben Lynnsy

Songster
Jul 26, 2022
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central North Carolina
So I'm new here today. I bought a coop the other day (I can't build one myself, because I'm old and I have no help), and I'm planning to get some chickens in the spring. I'm going to use that time to seal my coop and address any vulnerabilities I can identify, so when I DO get chicks, they will be safe and dry. For the past week, I've been deep in the chicken "rabbit hole", reading and researching and making lists of "dos and don't" and writing down tips from other ppl who have experience. I have a couple friends who have chickens, and based on what I hear from them it seems so easy and simple to have a small flock. But then I read about all the tragedies involving predators, and all the "sick chicken" posts (prolapse, eggs broken inside the chick, bumblefoot, etc) and it seems really scary. I'm a nurse, so I know ppl illness, and I have a pup, so I kinda know dog things, but chickens are not like anything I've even dealt with. It's kind of intimidating, all the bad things that can happen to a chicken, whether predator-wise or illness. Having 2nd thoughts.
 
Ben Lynnsy said:
So I'm new here today. I bought a coop the other day (I can't build one myself, because I'm old and I have no help), and I'm planning to get some chickens in the spring. I'm going to use that time to seal my coop and address any vulnerabilities I can identify, so when I DO get chicks, they will be safe and dry. For the past week, I've been deep in the chicken "rabbit hole", reading and researching and making lists of "dos and don't" and writing down tips from other ppl who have experience. I have a couple friends who have chickens, and based on what I hear from them it seems so easy and simple to have a small flock. But then I read about all the tragedies involving predators, and all the "sick chicken" posts (prolapse, eggs broken inside the chick, bumblefoot, etc) and it seems really scary. I'm a nurse, so I know ppl illness, and I have a pup, so I kinda know dog things, but chickens are not like anything I've even dealt with. It's kind of intimidating, all the bad things that can happen to a chicken, whether predator-wise or illness. Having 2nd thoughts.
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welcome.
I am new to the journey myself and have to remind me that people seldom post to say 'oh, great day, nothing happened, all chicks are well and healthy, none got killed by a fox/hawk/dog/bear.
So the forum is likely very skewed in this perspective.

Even having spent a small fortune on the enclosure (I can't build right now either) and 2 sets of chicks, I am excited about this journey. I never thought I'd be having chickens. They are really funny critters, well worth the trouble.
And I don't have any eggs yet!
 
Ben Lynnsy said:
So I'm new here today. I bought a coop the other day (I can't build one myself, because I'm old and I have no help), and I'm planning to get some chickens in the spring. I'm going to use that time to seal my coop and address any vulnerabilities I can identify, so when I DO get chicks, they will be safe and dry. For the past week, I've been deep in the chicken "rabbit hole", reading and researching and making lists of "dos and don't" and writing down tips from other ppl who have experience. I have a couple friends who have chickens, and based on what I hear from them it seems so easy and simple to have a small flock. But then I read about all the tragedies involving predators, and all the "sick chicken" posts (prolapse, eggs broken inside the chick, bumblefoot, etc) and it seems really scary. I'm a nurse, so I know ppl illness, and I have a pup, so I kinda know dog things, but chickens are not like anything I've even dealt with. It's kind of intimidating, all the bad things that can happen to a chicken, whether predator-wise or illness. Having 2nd thoughts.
Click to expand...
Welcome! I did a lot of research up front regarding coop safety, and it has paid off well. Other things, I have bumped and learned along the way, and found help and good reference at BYC. Only occasionally have I been unable to find an answer for a specific problem, but it is easy to start a thread! Just like anything, there is a learning curve, but nothing you couldn't easily beat. The joy of keeping a flock of happy, pokey chickens is worth it!
 
There will always be the risk of injury, illness, or death. Like with all living creatures. But as a 1st time chicken mom of 4 girls that are now 15 months, I can tell you it's an amazing experience. They will bring you so much joy, amusement and fill your heart. All you can do is provide them with all the basic needs (food, water, shelter, cleanliness, protection) and keep an eye on them. It's not too hard. The other things you will have to roll with the punches and you have an endless resource here of friends who will help you whatever the situation is that may arise. You are on the right track. You should keep going! Had I known how rewarding these little birdies were, I would have gotten them sooner. I'll always have them now. Just like my dog. Best of luck. And welcome!
 
Welcome to BYC Ben what u got to remember is there is people all over the world on here and when they normally post its because they need help. It doesn't mean its all going to happen to u . Chickens are great things to have I'm disabled at 33 and they make my life so much better all u really need to read for nw is advice ensuring safety precautions feed water light etc basics the chickens need and go with the flow I know can seem daunting but pls don't let this put u off we all here to help if u have Any questions or feeling overwhelmed
XxSamXx
 
The vast majority of the scary and/or bad things that CAN happen to chickens doesn't happen to most chickens. It's like reading statistics on people getting life-threatening illnesses or being injured in car crashes; it happens, but not to everybody.

You are probably ahead of the game because your medical background and your research will help you to be aware of changes in behaviors that could signal illness or injury. You already know that pre-made coops (and I have a couple, too) usually need some modifications to make them better.

You already have friends with chicken experience, and you are about to make a whole bunch more! Welcome to BYC, where a lot of folks want to help you in any way they can and will applaud all of your successes!
 

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