Undecided- Anyone ever feel the same?

[OneLostHen]

Your post really hit home for me. I've been thinking about taking a break from chickens also. I get overwhelmed sometimes with it all, especially in the winter here in PA. We've had a rough one this year.
I decided that I'm going to just downsize and see if that helps.
I currently have 10 chickens, 2 turkeys and 3 sheep. I used to have 6 quail, but I ended up rehoming them. They were a lot of work for me in the enclosure we had and everything wants to eat them. I put up electric fence and made it super secure but then it was difficult to clean. Once I made the decision to rehome the quail, I felt so much lighter. That's how I always know it was the right move. I'm going to downsize my chicken flock from 10 to 4 and keep the turkeys. I think making it more manageable is key. See if there are ways to lighten your load. If that doesn't help, then I'd say a break is needed. Hope you find peace. Your chickens are magnificent!

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It's not a matter of not loving them, it just feels like a lot sometimes.
I've gotten in then out of a few hobbies now and I give myself a hard time about it. Am I a flake? Is it just laziness? When will I ever just stick with something?
But then I realize it's ok to change your mind and not feel guilty. As long as the birds are happy. With me or someone else, that's really all I care about.

I hope downsizing helps! I'm glad I'm only allowed 6 hens or I'd end up with too many! Lol even then I decided 4 is good enough right now.

 

[Appalachickens]

I'm glad I'm not the only one. It's not a matter of not loving them, it just feels like a lot sometimes.
I've gotten in then out of a few hobbies now and I give myself a hard time about it. Am I a flake? Is it just laziness? When will I ever just stick with something?
But then I realize it's ok to change your mind and not feel guilty. As long as the birds are happy. With me or someone else, that's really all I care about.

I hope downsizing helps! I'm glad I'm only allowed 6 hens or I'd end up with too many! Lol even then I decided 4 is good enough right now.

I went through a period many years back when my kids were launching where I just wanted to not be looking after anyone or anything for a time. I took my python and my two 55-gallon tanks worth of tropical fish back to the pet store and donated them back, and took care of the four gerbils until they died naturally. It was several years before I had animals again (currently at 2 hounds, 3 cats, and 21 chickens). To everything there is a season.

 

[OneLostHen]

I went through a period many years back when my kids were launching where I just wanted to not be looking after anyone or anything for a time. I took my python and my two 55-gallon tanks worth of tropical fish back to the pet store and donated them back, and took care of the four gerbils until they died naturally. It was several years before I had animals again (currently at 2 hounds, 3 cats, and 21 chickens). To everything there is a season.

Yes!
I had 30 tarantulas, spent a LOT on them, their set up, the feeders. All of it. But when I decided I wanted to try chickens again, I didn't want to pile on more mouths to feed. So I sold my T collection for a loss, but they went to a great and experienced home.

I have a feeling I'll get a spider or two again someday, but for now it really has been nice having critters I can actually pet lol. Not counting my 7 cats

 

[OneLostHen]

Well now my other hen is broody as of today. Ugh lol

 

[tlcmurphy]

I’m there too. I only had 4 hens, two 5 years old and two almost 2. Lost one of my OG hens in December, and have decided to rehome the younger 2 when my older hen dies.
We will be retiring and moving in a few years and not moving them. Maybe I’ll get back into chickens again, but who knows.
I respect your decision

 

[OneLostHen]

In a twist of fate- last night the most perfect home came available for my flock.

She wanted laying bantams for her bantam roo to have more ladies. She's able to free range and will send me pics of my former girls regularly. I'm so beyond happy about it and already feel lighter.

Thank you BYC for all the insights. It's nice to not feel alone.

 

[tlcmurphy]

In a twist of fate- last night the most perfect home came available for my flock.

She wanted laying bantams for her bantam roo to have more ladies. She's able to free range and will send me pics of my former girls regularly. I'm so beyond happy about it and already feel lighter.

Thank you BYC for all the insights. It's nice to not feel alone.

Wonderful news!