Angileen
Songster
Chickens are not self sustainable unless you grow your own chicken feed and enough to last through the winter. Still have to go purchase feed at the store or elevator. I believe most people when they say they have time now is because they have time to build the coop and run they could never get to before. I bought my chickens spring of 2019 but wanted some for years it just took me a few years before I got around to making a coop and run for them to stay. I have also found that chickens really are not that much work. I change their water once a day make sure they are fed, collect eggs and spend some quality time with them. (as they are my pets not just live stock) The most work is when I have to clean their coop out which takes about 2/3 hours once every 3 weeks minus the minor spot cleanings every so often. My coop is 25 x 15 feet with a cement floor. This spring it will get a good pressure wash the next time I clean.