What to do during college????!!??!??!?

[shopchicks]

I agree with HogBack. I went to Oregon State University, and had other roommates in the ag program. $1000/month for a house in the country, split 4 or 5 ways, was as cheap or cheaper than staying in the dorms. Didn't have chickens, but I don't think it would have been to hard to find the right situation. However, be prepared to sell them off if need be. You might want to look into building some sort of portable tractor-type coop now in case you want to take it to school with you.

 

[eKo_birdies]

Quote:
did i hear someone say something about CSU horticulture?? that's me!

Go Rams!

to the OP: i agree w/ the more encouraging replies.... there are LOTS of options. just start looking now.

 

[Three Cedars Silkies]

My daughter is now 23 and in her senior year at a large university. When she was 20 she purchased an old farmhouse with a barn and 3/4 acres just on the outskirts of town and has had her chickens for the last 3 years. Even though you might not purchase, you can easily rent housing with roommate(s) and have your chickens.

Just understand that they take a commitment that most young people are not willing to take on when they also have school work, possibly and job plus a social life. The question is...do you love them enough to make that commitment?

My daughter was deployed to Iraq for a year but fortunately she had asked her grandmother to come live with her when she first bought the house, so her Granny Donna took care of the birds the whole time she was gone...and did a great job! I went out a couple times a week and cleaned coops, etc, but the day to day feeding watering, letting them out and getting them in was on her.

It can be done...the question is really how much you really want it.

 

[SarahBeth9394]

As a parent of a high school senior I would only let her get an animal at this point with the expectation that I would be the one caring for it when she goes away. That's just a part of being a parent.

 

[annaraven]

As a recent college grad (I went back at 43 to finally get my bachelor degree from Stanford), let me tell you - you will NOT have time or energy for chickens while you are at school. Not if you're doing it right. You need to focus on two things - your studies and your social networking. People don't mention the social networking so much but that's important too. Studies are important and will affect your future, and so will the connections you make while there. Leave time for extracurricular activities that will allow you to go do stuff with your fellow students. They're the ones that are going to call you up in 2 years or 10 and say "hey, I have a position just for you!"

Chickens can wait. Your chickens will be very happy being rehomed somewhere and you can even arrange to go visit their new home. But please don't compromise your need for study and socializing time and their need for someone who is available daily to care for them.

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

This is an easy solution. Wear sunglasses & tell everybody they're SEEING -EYE- CHICKENS!