Suburbanite new to the country with questions

[sharond]

Hi,
My husband and I have lived for over 20 years in a small suburban house south of Pittsburgh PA, but now that our kids are grown we are buying 1 1/2 acres and a small house in the country as a weekend place (about an hour from our house). Is it possible to have chickens if we will not be there 7 days a week? Someone in the area has chickens, I can see them running around their property and can hear the rooster. Any advice here would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

 

[Southern28Chick]

I wouldn't have them if I wasn't here everyday to make sure they have food and water and they were safe. What if one got hurt on Monday and you wouldn't even be there until Friday or Saturday. It would be dead before you even knew it needed help.

Not a good idea. Not to mention someone would probably report you for neglect.

How about move to the country full time!!!

 

[chickflick]

Why would you do that? What benefit would you have in having the chickens where you can't enjoy them? How about the eggs? You couldn't even use them. And they do need care! Not a good idea.

 

[MissPrissy]

Unless you have a caretaker to check on and tend to them daily I would advise not having chickens.

 

[speckledhen]

Absolutely not, in my opinion. There is too much that can happen to them when you aren't there. And even if you think your coop and run is predator proof, there really is no such thing. You can build one that is predator-resistant, but if no one is there, what stops something from ripping at the fence or coop door over a several day period? Nothing, for instance, can stop a bear or even a really determined dog over time if there is no human presence. They could run out of water, a death sentence, tip it over, get caught in the fence, etc. SO many problems with not being there. I'd wait till you move to where you can actually have them and care for them on a dailiy basis.

 

[sharond]

OK, I get it. Like I said, I knew nothing about it, and it was just a thought. I guess I will wait until if and when we move there full time. Thanks for the info!

 

[LynnGrigg]

Just enjoy the neighbor's birds until you are there full time. Heck, if you ever move, they might set you up with a trio(a roo & 2 laying hens) and you can see how well you like having your own small group before getting more.

Lynn

 

[Lunachick]

I agree with everyone!

BTW - LynnGrigg I LOVE your artwork!

 

[chickbea]

I agree with everyone about waiting, but there is nothing to stop you from making friends with the current chicken keepers. Get yourself set up with lovely fresh eggs, learn all you can, and by the time you move out there full time, you'll be reaady to keep your own flock healthy and happy.

 

[pipermark]

Put some bird and humming bird feeders, mineral blocks, and enjoy the wild birds, and deer , that the country has to offer, until your can be good steward to domesticated animals.