Trying to convince DH to keep chickens

[Michellesc]

I have been broaching the subject for a good three years now & I think I've finally worn him down. Please be very honest & tell me what you like & dislike about keeping chickens. I certainly don't want him to go along w/ it & have it turn out badly.
About us: We live in Portland, OR. We have 5 inside/outside cats, 1 naughty Yorkie & 1 very mellow pit bull. I owned a parrot for 28 yrs & while I know they are not chickens I think I at least have a basic understanding of avians. We own our home & have a good sized backyard. Our neighbors two doors down have had chickens for a year now. My darling husband is VERY handy & will likely build our coop, run, & chicken tractor. When I get an idea to try something new I research the he*% out of it. I LOVE the idea of chickens scratching up my backyard & having fresh eggs.

Thank you!

Michelle

 

[kidcody]

from WA. glad you joined us

 

[kyeschicks]

Welcome to BYC!

 

[spiritdance]

What I love about having chickens: everything
What I hate about having chickens: that at some point you have to say "enough" cuz you just run out of room ... seriously, though, the only down side has been having to choose between all the wonderful breeds out there. It would be way too easy to overdo in this department. I'm fortunate enough to have lots of room, a good environment for free ranging, and a DH whose as "chicken pecked" as I am, but if we were in suburbia, I would be in trouble...

 

[ghillie]

 

[redsoxs]

Hello from Kansas, Michelle and welcome to BYC!

Chickens are a lot like other pets when it comes to care. They are fun and funny and can be very relaxing. Plus the pay off is so much better - eggs (and meat if you go that far) is even greater. I like the fact they eat insects from eating my garden! Their manure is also a benefit for my garden. Another upside, if they get to be more than you bargained for, they can be sen to the freezer. I don't regret my decision at all. If your set up is good going in you already have half the battle won. Hope it works out for you!!

 

[OldRoo]

 

[greymane]

from the Finger Lakes of New York! So glad you came aboard.

Too many positives to list about chickens. On the negaitve side, the smell (but you have a lot of control over that). Also, the addiction (you probably have much less control on this

).

 

[weimarmama]

&

from Alabama. Glad you joined us.

 

[dawg53]

Welcome to BYC.