To add chickens or to not to add chickens?

[humblehillsfarm]

We are building a coop that can comfortably hold 40 chickens. I went far too over the top on this build, but too late to turn back now! I have 18 chickens and planned on starting a breeding program this summer with the plan that if none of the chicks sell, I'll just add them to my current flock since I have room.

Today my boyfriend texts me that his buddy is selling 22 chickens, which includes 10 sex-link pullets actively laying. They are for sale for $200 and the solid-oak coop (which made me feel way too extra over my coop, oops) is an additional $400.

The issue is, duh, of course I want the chickens, but ironically my boyfriend who suggested them, said he "doesn't want any more coops or fences on our property." He said this just last week!

So without ruining my plans for a breeding program, (since 18-22 = 40 chickens, which is my current coop's max), how do I suggest to him we get the chickens and the coop? I mean, you CAN'T have too many chickens or coops, right?

Common sense tells me, actually, I don't need this chickens. You all feel my pain though right?

 

[DobieLover]

We are building a coop that can comfortably hold 40 chickens. I went far too over the top on this build, but too late to turn back now! I have 18 chickens and planned on starting a breeding program this summer with the plan that if none of the chicks sell, I'll just add them to my current flock since I have room.

Today my boyfriend texts me that his buddy is selling 22 chickens, which includes 10 sex-link pullets actively laying. They are for sale for $200 and the solid-oak coop (which made me feel way too extra over my coop, oops) is an additional $400.

The issue is, duh, of course I want the chickens, but ironically my boyfriend who suggested them, said he "doesn't want any more coops or fences on our property." He said this just last week!

So without ruining my plans for a breeding program, (since 18-22 = 40 chickens, which is my current coop's max), how do I suggest to him we get the chickens and the coop? I mean, you CAN'T have too many chickens or coops, right?

Common sense tells me, actually, I don't need this chickens. You all feel my pain though right?

I do not feel your pain. You will feel mine if you keep getting more chickens.
I'm have a hard time keeping up with maintenance. I have 3 hens desperately in need of butt baths. But because the highs are below freezing, I'll have to do a thorough blow dry after the bath and fluff trim. It will take at least 45 minutes per bird and it has to happen late morning. I've not had the time with all the other routine maintenance and commitments I have.
More is not always better. Especially for the birds.

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I do not feel your pain. You will feel mine if you keep getting more chickens.
I'm have a hard time keeping up with maintenance. I have 3 hens desperately in need of butt baths. But because the highs are below freezing, I'll have to do a thorough blow dry after the bath and fluff trim. It will take at least 45 minutes per bird and it has to happen late morning. I've not had the time with all the other routine maintenance and commitments I have.
More is not always better. Especially for the birds.

It's so easy to get excited over more chickens, but time to deal with injuries and illnesses really is, well, a time-suck. My flock is all healthy currently so I feel like I have the time, but that isn't always the case. I also plan on having a bachelor flock (for meat) and possibly CX this summer too (which of course are temporary, but still a 2-6 month time investment). *Sigh* Thanks for the words of reason and wisdom.

I still want goats in the next 1-2 years too so also need to think of that future and the time investment.

 

[EggSighted4Life]

Common sense tells me, actually, I don't need this chickens. You all feel my pain though right?

I'll be honest I didn't read your entire post.. Just enough to see you goal and the hubby friend selling 10 Sex links..

DON'T do it.. it does NOT help achieve your goal.. and chicken math is hard enough to handle.

Keep that space reserved for what you already have going on!

I personally might just skip the coop too..

I've made LOT'S of investments with intentions that never came to pass due to life having it's own plans.

No used coop or pre-owned bird bringing ANY possibility of other disease or parasites to my property that might not already be here.

Sounds like you lots of wonderful upcoming adventures that will be wonderful as the time is right.. but this seems like someone else's circus.. in my heart..

How cool that you have support from your BF.. knows he doesn't want more building/fences (I TOTALLY get), but tries to still be looking out for what your interested in!

You could always change your mind if no one comes for them.. but uhm, you'd have a hard time PAYING me to take sex links of your hands.. good birds, poor genetics, no thanks on the heartache!

 

[humblehillsfarm]

I'll be honest I didn't read your entire post.. Just enough to see you goal and the hubby friend selling 10 Sex links..

DON'T do it.. it does NOT help achieve your goal.. and chicken math is hard enough to handle.

Keep that space reserved for what you already have going on!

I personally might just skip the coop too..

I've made LOT'S of investments with intentions that never came to pass due to life having it's own plans.

No used coop or pre-owned bird bringing ANY possibility of other disease or parasites to my property that might not already be here.

Sounds like you lots of wonderful upcoming adventures that will be wonderful as the time is right.. but this seems like someone else's circus.. in my heart..

How cool that you have support from your BF.. knows he doesn't want more building/fences (I TOTALLY get), but tries to still be looking out for what your interested in!

You could always change your mind if no one comes for them.. but uhm, you'd have a hard time PAYING me to take sex links of your hands.. good birds, poor genetics, no thanks on the heartache!

Ive never had sex links, but based on posts I’ve seen on here I suppose you can say “egg bound” is always in the back of my mind.

You are so right. I need to focus on what I already have going on. Also, my partner has really been the best. He never wanted chickens in the first place and yet he has marched by my side through it all. It was truly very sweet of him to realize I’d want to consider those chickens, but I’ll tell him I will pass

You made me realize I forgot I once told myself I’d never buy “used” birds again anyways. The very first chickens I had were received as adults, and I was so lucky they were healthy and gentle birds. I’ve learned a lot since then to know that’s often not the case!

I almost didn’t post this silly thread on BYC, but I’m glad I did!

 

[BleuSaphir]

The saying less is more is a meme some people need to listen.
Everyone here loves chickens. Including me. I want MORE myself. Buying myself 2 birds made me realize perhaps I can be happy with less flock size.