What is SO WRONG with Chickens? Does YOUR family complain?

[Tala]

if my BF can pay $15 a month to play World of Warcraft or Star Wars Galaxies (or WHATEVER game he's into this month) then why can't I buy some chicks and raise them?

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As someone who is married to a guy who does almost nothing except play computer games.....I would caution you to make sure that you are VERY HAPPY staring at the back of his head 24/7 before you guys take it to the next level.

 

[chichi56788]

My family and BFF arnt to keen on the whole chicken thing either. I think it is just they dont like being woken up/texted in the middle of the night to hear the latest hatching news.

My mom also thinks it's weird that I would rather spend time with my chickens than laying out by the pool. Oh well. I could care less what they think.

 

[Kansaseq]

There was a great saying I read somewhere, probably on here. It went something like this:



Do what you want and say how you feel, because the people who matter won't mind, and the the people who mind, don't matter.

That's not exactly right, but the point is really, if someone loves you, they will support the things that make you happy. If they can't see that the chickens make you happy and are a healthy hobby, then they are pretty selfish, and need a reality check. Maybe they are jealous of the time you spend with the birds?
Maybe you should just set the record straight. Say "Look, you have __________________, that costs $x.xx a month, and I think is a waste of time and money, but it makes you happy so I don't say anything. The chickens are my ________, and they make ME happy. Why can't you allow me the same courtesy?"And if they still give you crap, well, just ignore them. It's not their choice.

 

[lovesduckies]

luckily my parents are understand of me raising ducks. the only issue we have is that i want them to be inside and my dad wants them outside LOL. but my dad loves them. my mom tolerates them. she just likes to look where as my dad likes to touch lol and get bitten LOL. if it wasn't for my dad, i wouldn't have ducks. but on the other hand.. i only have 2 friends who don't talk bad about me raising duckies. one is my bff duckyfromoz lol and the other is my friend i've known for about 16 or 17 years. everyone else says i am crazy or asks why i raise them. i just say you are crazy for not having them or i ask why they don't raise them! i just ended friendships with 2 girls because they talked badly behind my back. just cuz i raise don't don't mean i'm a dummy!!!

to each is own. i say go for it. just do it lol i would and i kinda did... lol

 

[stampntam]

you are not alone, my family thinks I am nuts too,

 

[easton coop]

shame you didn't buy your family or BF on craigslist, you may have been able to return the goods as 'not as described' and get a full refund!

I would have a talk to them and explain how important the chickens are, it may make them think about how they interact with you. Remember that there are always options and as this site shows, we are all a bit chicken crazy, but it is in the real world!

Hope things get better for you!

 

[manderzpants]

have you asked them why it bothers them so much? when you find that out you will know how to respond to them to get them to shut up about it. exactly as you said, you're not hurting anyone, and you have a healthy, productive hobby.

 

[SillyChicken]

because it's supposed to be all about them and what they want... not about you and what you want.

Make up an expense sheet... show how much they spend on what you consider useless spending vs what you spend on what they consider useless spending. Show it to them..... then sit down and eat a nice healthy plate of eggs in front of them and tell them if they don't shut up about it, they can't have any fruits of your labor......remember the story of the little red hen?

 

[Mattemma]

I have often been asked what is the cost of the chickens compared to just buying store eggs. I say the cost is irrelevant,because the chicks/chickens give me so much personal pleasure. If family and friends want to make a pissing contest out of it to justify the money spent I just say." NO THANKS!" I have limited my hens to a decent number and will give up haircuts or clothing to provide for their needs.Everyone has their priorities.I am still shaking my head over my SIL that wants a $300 armani watch for my BIL.Do you know how much I can do for the hens with $300? What is wrong with a $20 watch?

You are very right in that everyone has their *things* that they spend money on. We should never have to justify those choices. I could understand being freaked over porn or drug spending,but chicken spending is a very nice way to spend your time and money.Money is tight and we all struggle,but we also have to have a bit of pleasure too......otherwise we struggle each day for what? To pay another bill? We have to do that anyway. I just got dh's pay for the week and all but $17 went to pay a credit card bill.He worked all week to pay one darn bill,but that bill has to be paid since he/we created it.He still buys his smokes and whatever else.

If someone wants me to give up something like a hobby or habit then they better be willing to give up something as well. If not then shut it and move on!

Hugs! Talk it out one more time and ask that the issue not be brought up again.My dh teases me that I spend all his money. Teasing ofcourse and not arguing,because he can see where the money goes.If I had someone nagging/ragging me often over the cost of the hens it would really annoy me.
Lol,it might actually result in an increase in hen spending.

 

[pbjmaker]

Quote:
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As someone who is married to a guy who does almost nothing except play computer games.....I would caution you to make sure that you are VERY HAPPY staring at the back of his head 24/7 before you guys take it to the next level.

And when 20 years later they wake up and quit playing the games they will drive you insane...

Don't ask me how I know