Somebody, save me!

[Manda0227]

First and foremost I would MAKE SURE it's legal where you live. What happens if you get "caught", and you aren't supposed to have them- you gotta get rid of 'em, and thats not any fun! Especially if you plan on having that many, you gotta look into that.. and since we're on that subject.. I think 80 in one whack is unrealistic for someone starting out. That is a LOT of chicks to raise at once. I started out with 5, and once I got a handle on it, I got more. All mine are a few weeks apart, so there isn't much of an age difference. I got a bunch of breeds since I am new as well, and I want to see what I like, what I don't.. Just see whats out there. There's no way I would've picked just one breed, I had no interest in bantams, but if I didn't actually get some- I wouldn't have learned how sweet some of them can be! If I had room for say 80 chickens, I would probably start out with 15-20. If you're going to have them shipped, that will widen your options from where to make your purchase from. Most places ship only 15-25. Continue your research, and good luck with whatever you end up doing! You're on the right track coming on here though!

 

[sune42]

I agree with everything said. Make totally sure they are legal, not just that you think. Start with less birds, even going by the bantam needs half line of thought you need a 400 sq ft run to go with that coop. That's a whole lot of hardware cloth. You have never had chickens before and 80 is a lot to start with. The coop maintenance in the winter when 80 birds are all locked in there will be a lot of work. Also, I agree, I have never heard of a half birthday. My mom had a birthday party for me once in the summer, cause mine is in Dec, but I didn't get presents at both.....

Good luck!

 

[AccioSarah]

Oh I'm no help here... I just got my 4 chicks a month ago, and I am already extending their coop and getting 3 more.
Run- while you can!!!

 

[FluffyColor]

Um,I meant my coop can hold 80....... Eighty over time... I don't know how many to start with yet

And other people I know celebrate half-birthdays all the time...I can't get any chicks for my real birthday 'cause it's in the winter.....

Still, no help?!?!?!?

 

[Intheswamp]

Quote:
Ok, moving on past the half-birthday thing, and your coop holding 80 chickens of some sort.

For what kind of help are you asking? It sounded like your original post was wanting people to contact your parents and tell them to keep you from building a coop and getting chickens. Your postings are somewhat confusing.

A 10x16 coop is a very nice sized coop...many flock owners would love to have one that size. Excellent advice has been given on starting with a few birds to see what you like and to see if you actually like keeping chickens. There is a good bit more to keeping chickens than "loving there cute little fuzzy butts"...there's pounds and pounds of manure to handle, feeding and watering, letting chickens out (you're an early riser?) and putting them back up (even in the rain and snow), parasite issues to be dealt with, sickness and injuries to be doctored, personality issues between the birds to be settled, culling, etc., etc.,. Starting with a small number of birds will give you a small taste of these "chores", hopefully without overwhelming you.

What's going to happen when your friends want you to go to the premier of that new block-buster movie or maybe go snowboarding with them...and you had intended to clean out the coop that day? Along with the hobby comes a responsibility for living creatures and that responsibility, at times, will trump other activities.

As for breeds...you may actually end up not being crazy about silkies and had rather go with some dominikers, buckeyes, or some other breed....you may actually end up not being crazy about chickens at all, but hopefully you will.

Start with a few to see what you like.

I said all that not to put a damper on your excitement but to be sure you are looking at reality. As a hobby, keeping chickens should be enjoyable...if it becomes an overwhelming chore that you dread then the hobby for you will be short lived and you will have some miserable creatures on your hands (including yourself). Go slow, breed up your flock.

I guess in half-birthdays I'd be around 105...wow, that's old...good thing I didn't figure it in dog years, eh?

Best wishes and I hope you have many, many more half-birthdays.

Ed

 

[kfchickenlady]

Read Eds post over a few times. This is for FUN. When it becomes overwhelming, its no fun anymore. Keep that in mind, decide how many chickens and what type is EASY for you to handle, and take care of, and stick to it as your limit esp for the first year. I at a young age was limited to 6 hens. If I wanted a new breed, someone had to go! It was ok, a good learning experience, and keep in mind, that chicken owners having 2 birds enjoy them as much as those of us with a lot more. Also much easier to find a neighbor to feed if you are gone on vacation. You may not want your chickens to become a lifestyle, you are too young for that! I remember going to my first chicken show and seeing up close what different breeds really looked like compared to beautiful catalog pics, you might try this and a few breeds will really catch your fancy.
Go for it, but keep it easy and fun!

Im enjoying this post by the way, I have 2 young teenagers at present with many animal projects going....(I got chicks for my bday in May, my parents just ordered for me in March...

)

 

[MiniBeesKnees]

Still, no help?!?!?!?

What help are you looking for?
You've gotten some excellent advice...lots of help.
It is not uncommon in folks your age to not recognize it.
If you are looking for someone to lend enthusiasm to your lack of reality...
try texting someone.

 

[FluffyColor]

Quote:
Ok, moving on past the half-birthday thing, and your coop holding 80 chickens of some sort.

For what kind of help are you asking? It sounded like your original post was wanting people to contact your parents and tell them to keep you from building a coop and getting chickens. Your postings are somewhat confusing.


Ed

It's one of those fun "stop my addiction" threads. Like grit's.You know, when someone wants to get more chickens and posts one of those "stop me!" posts. It's kinda like sarcasm.

 

[FluffyColor]

Quote:
Read my above post.

 

[kfchickenlady]

Quote:
Ok, moving on past the half-birthday thing, and your coop holding 80 chickens of some sort.

For what kind of help are you asking? It sounded like your original post was wanting people to contact your parents and tell them to keep you from building a coop and getting chickens. Your postings are somewhat confusing.


Ed

It's one of those fun "stop my addiction" threads. Like grit's.You know, when someone wants to get more chickens and posts one of those "stop me!" posts. It's kinda like sarcasm.

Gotta love it....