Talking someone out of getting chickens

[SkyAJK]

I think you've covered everything, they should make pamphlet disclaimers at chick vendors and website with this list! However, now I see another side to Big Chicken being revealed!

...I might not see the disclaimers at the chick vendors because all I see is those fluffy cuties

Still going through this long list of things...I want more chickens

I have not been on holiday/even a day trip anywhere since I have chickens because I can not trust anyone to care for my chickens....that I forgot to put on the long list.

 

[debid]

I have had to rehome 2 rats due to them messing up my coops. And yes, now have 2 mouse traps next to the foods in the shed. I have seen my chicken chase, kill, and eat a mouse, which surprised me!

I give mine mice that I snap trap when I get a fresh one hoping that they get used to the idea that these are food. They eat the ones I give and it's a big party for them but I haven't yet seen any signs of them eating one they caught for themselves.

 

[debid]

What is imho?

In
My
Humble/honest
Opinion

 

[Debbie292d]

Is this person mainly interested in chickens as livestock, or pets?
Knowing why they want to get into chicken tending in the first place might help you come up with something to put them off the whole idea.

This is what is needed to know about them. I'm going to venture a guess that it's merely for the eggs. They apparently don't care for pets as it is, so it's doubtful they are thinking of chickens as a fun pet to own, with the bonus of eggs.

 

[debid]

I appreciate your sentiment but trying to convince a fellow adult (who didn't ask your opinion) not to do something is more likely to damage the relationship than to succeed. IF they ask, then give them all the reasons they shouldn't that they will listen to. If they don't ask, bite your tongue. This way, when the cute little puffs are gangly juveniles making dust and stinking up their living room, you can kindly take them off their hands.

 

[Sinadrea]

I give mine mice that I snap trap when I get a fresh one hoping that they get used to the idea that these are food. They eat the ones I give and it's a big party for them but I haven't yet seen any signs of them eating one they caught for themselves.

Thats a good idea too!

 

[Sally PB]

I have not been on holiday/even a day trip anywhere since I have chickens because I can not trust anyone to care for my chickens....that I forgot to put on the long list.

Yes, I can't go away anymore. I had a neighbor who was my chicken sitter, but she passed last summer.

I don't mind staying home, but hubby wishes I could go with him on road trips.

Not if I don't have a trustworthy chicken sitter, dear. It would NOT be a vacation for me, as I'd worry every minute.

 

[SkyAJK]

In
My
Humble/honest
Opinion

oh...Thank you @debid

The mesh we had to cover the chicken run so that wild birds don't get in had been destroyed by the recent extreme weather so we are shopping for new one, and...the maintenance is on going with work and money....in the mean time, I got 2 broody hens, 1 molting hen, and a few for unknown reason not laying eggs...

If I only get chickens for eggs and knowing all these cost of time and money, I will definitely not have chicken at all.

But chickens are my therapists, enrich and enchant my world. By the way...I prefer chickens to human So off I go on with chickens..

 

[debid]

Yes, I can't go away anymore. I had a neighbor who was my chicken sitter, but she passed last summer.

I don't mind staying home, but hubby wishes I could go with him on road trips.

Not if I don't have a trustworthy chicken sitter, dear. It would NOT be a vacation for me, as I'd worry every minute.

I made my vacation setup dang near stupid proof so the chicken sitter can just collect the accumulation of eggs from an area the chickens cannot access and leave. I struggle with the helpers wanting to make it more of a task than it is! I'm like... OK here's a container of scratch with a little scoop. You can give them ONE little scoop each time you visit (knowing full well they give their own pet 4x the number of treats they should). This helps stop the questions about what random other food they can give them.

 

[SkyAJK]

I made my vacation setup dang near stupid proof so the chicken sitter can just collect the accumulation of eggs from an area the chickens cannot access and leave. I struggle with the helpers wanting to make it more of a task than it is! I'm like... OK here's a container of scratch with a little scoop. You can give them ONE little scoop each time you visit (knowing full well they give their own pet 4x the number of treats they should). This helps stop the questions about what random other food they can give them.

We got a Pets hotel over here that take in chickens.
A$5 per chicken per day
A$10 per chicken per day - public/school holiday
Owner provide food.
A cement floor enclosure, big enough for 1 or 2 small dogs.
I am not keen on it.

Edit to add that the $10 fee due to public/school holiday