My kids think I replaced them too, and in a way probably have. I only have four with nine more chicks on way, this week. But I also have four dogs and three cats, our rabbit passed last summer. I want a couple goats, for the milk and I used to raise them twenty some years ago. I've been a stay at home mom, and with the kids all grown and gone now, drove myself crazy. Now I have my birds, dogs, and cats. I do feel guilty sometimes when I go to buy feed and supplies though, I buy the higher quality foods so the purchase prices are higher, but they do tend to last longer because they eat less. But that blow to the pocket can be felt, though their well being justifies it to us. I personally look at it that, I treat them the same as my children, they sleep with me (not the chickens lol), I dress them, I invest my time, money, and emotions into them, why not feed them the best I personally can. Plus the healthier they eat the healthier they are, less and cheaper vet bills for the life of the animal.
