The biggest problem raising chickens (an other livestock for that matter)

[azygous]

No one has yet mentioned two, semi-related things to consider when taking on the responsibility of keeping chickens. These are -

Are you single and what will you do if you get sick and need to go to the hospital for surgery? Also, recovery after surgery or illness. And what will happen to your chickens if you die?

A couple weeks ago, I was faced with the first issue, and I had no assurance the second issue wouldn't come up. I found out how important it is to make good friends and be a good friend so these good friends will be willing to deal with all the crap we chicken keepers do because we're just nuts about chickens. If our friends don't feel the same way about us, we're screwed.

 

[SueT]

No one has yet mentioned two, semi-related things to consider when taking on the responsibility of keeping chickens. These are -

Are you single and what will you do if you get sick and need to go to the hospital for surgery? Also, recovery after surgery or illness. And what will happen to your chickens if you die?

A couple weeks ago, I was faced with the first issue, and I had no assurance the second issue wouldn't come up. I found out how important it is to make good friends and be a good friend so these good friends will be willing to deal with all the crap we chicken keepers do because we're just nuts about chickens. If our friends don't feel the same way about us, we're screwed.

Yeah, I have thought of this a lot. When my DH goes to visit the kids for a week, (because we can't go together due to chickens) what if there's a health emergency with me? Or when I'm gone, what if it's with him? We're not young, and even a minor mishap like a fall could require needing chicken help. It has me considering phasing out of chickens.

 

[woodmort]

No one has yet mentioned two, semi-related things to consider when taking on the responsibility of keeping chickens. These are -

So true. Even though I'm married my dear wife is neither strong enough nor knowledgeable enough to step in should the need arise--other than gather eggs, maybe fill feeders and let birds in and out. Luckily we have friends and neighbors who are Mennonites/farmers and are only too happy to step in and help if we need it.

 

[aart]

No one has yet mentioned two, semi-related things to consider when taking on the responsibility of keeping chickens. These are -

I'd be pretty much screwed.....old dog worse than chickens.

 

[ChemicalchiCkns]

It can't be worse than a vehicular screwup moodwort.