Things I Was Not Told As A Newbie

[TinaSwarr]

poop. poop, and more poop. your day now consist of tending to chicks your human family will just have to fend for themselves. that brooder that you spent so much time making perfect, will quickly become to small. you will now waste an enormous amount of precious time watching chick tv. friends and family will think you have lost it when you learn to talk chicken. the thought process of saving money by having you own eggs is backwards , that first dozen eggs is gonna be pricey....you will need to start saving for the incubator cause you will just have to try hatching....now on the bright side, this has been a life changing experience and i would never go back... feel free to add your experience these are just the things i have noticed and my chicks are only 3 weeks old.

 

[StupidBird]

When Skyping your DS at college, showing off the new chicks in the brooder...."oh, mom, those are so cute and...MOM, that's MY BED!"

but then he personally relocated this year's batch from the living room "too drafty" to the same spot!

Everyone thinks you are crazy, unless they just went shopping, then you're a genius.

Chicken math. Dumpster diving for the new coop and run. Going to poultry shows (knowing there are such things)

Becoming addicted to BYC.

every pair of footwear become barn/coop/garden shoes.

Actually cancelling the real tv service in favor of "chick tv" which is very effective "cheep therapy".

 

[sparkly_diamond]

Becoming known as the "chicken lady" by the kids school friends.

Thinking you'll only have four and ending up with more than the local battery farm!

Going into the supermarket to do your shopping and noticing poop on your shoes.

Noticing that with everyone who has or has had chickens, the conversation always come around to them.

Worrying about your chooks and how happy they are.

Having a "chook hospital" and a dedicated space for them just in case.

Learning, studying, remembering far more about chooks, their wellbeing, species, breeds, types and happiness than any other subject.

Oh my godness thats funny to think of, but I wouldn't have it anyother way!

 

[gryeyes]

That each and every loss, through "failure to thrive," or misadventure is really hard on your heart, even if you only had the chick that died for two days. That a baby rooster's first crow is hysterically funny but you just gotta cheer him on, even if you thought he was a pullet.

 

[terrilhb]

How addictive they are. What joy they bring you and the 1st egg you get. When you dream of your chickens. And your whole life revolves around what is best for them.

 

[TinaSwarr]

the going to the supermarket with poop on shoes. I have to adnit that when we have piggies, I do this purposely....I never have to wait in line people are more than willing to let me go ahead of them..

 

[youngbiddy]

You will get used to bird poop and regard it as no big deal. Also, you will learn to decipher the myriad assortment of chicken sounds and translate them for others.

*bird commotion outside*
Husband: What's wrong with the chickens?
Me: Brunette tried to shove Sallie out of the favorite nest box before Sallie was done. Jack is sounding the alarm in response to the girl's rumpus.
Husband: You didn't even look outside; how do you know?
Me: You should know better than to ask that question by now.

 

[terrilhb]

 

[chics in the sun]

Quote:
That's funny you guys just mentioned that - I'm at work, and looked down while meeting with a student and one of the nurses and realized I have poop smeared on the side of my patent leather flats......

 

[heritagebirds]

Well, I was told that it is highly addictive, and they were right!