Want chickens!

[Horsedoglover]

So i want chickens but both my parents dont want to put in the time. I think orpingtons or barred rocks would be good. My dad's arguements other then the time is our dogs and space. We have a decent sized backyard and I think a smaller tractor would work. My mom doeant think I'm responsible enough. But I take care of our dogs and cats

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Four hens produce a dozen eggs in four days or so. That's three dollars that you earned.

If you get better birds, which is a few more dollars, you could win some prize money at chicken shows. Travel is a factor, but if you burn $2 on gas, you could still have $3-$8 in prizes. If you win best of show at a county Fair, you could get $20-$50.

It's not a lot, but then feed is not a lot. To avoid purchasing the cheap stuff to save money, get an efficient feeder. I recommend the High End Hen feeders. They pay for themselves in a week. (And that's not me blowing hot air, my hens have literally shoveled a 50lb sack of feed onto the floor in a week.)

Consider showing through 4-H. It looks great on a resume, and to your parents, too!

 

[Horsedoglover]

Thank you! That helped alot! However my being at the seperate houses is a problem. Neither parent wants to take care of them when im gone or drive me to the other house.

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

Well, that can be a problem.
Maybe one really good one that you can take with you.

*edit: chickens don't really need a lot of care with automatic feeders and waterers. How long are you staying at either location?

 

[JesusHChicken]

Good luck. Hope you convince one of your parental units. As far as the dog goes... Just introduce properly. Don't let him/her chase the chickens. I have 4 knucklehead dogs and have introduced all to the chickens.

 

[SueT]

What about starting with a couple of small bantams....Sebrights or silkies or oegb' s...and move them with you.

 

[Fanci Feathers Marans]

What about starting with a couple of small bantams....Sebrights or silkies or oegb' s...and move them with you.

 

[Stephine]

So, I read your posts about the dogs, the coop, the being away for 5 days or 2 days on alternating weeks with no one to care for the chickens then and I really think you should wait until you are in a situation where properly caring for chickens is not so complicated.
A propper coop needs to be (much) bigger and sturdier than what is sold readymade online - especially with two dogs around that want to get the chickens and you gone for five day stretches all the time. There are a few select places that make good sturdy coops to buy online but those are expensive and need to be delivered by truck which still adds to the cost.
And you need to build a big, safe run - it is essential. For 4 hens it needs to be at least 40 square feet. Those little coop and run combos you see online are useless for your purpose and situation.
The clincher though is having to leave them without care for five days in a row when the temperatures are over 100 or below 0. I don't know how you could solve that problem, even by throwing money at it...

 

[drumstick diva]

Nice dog, soft coated Wheaten ????