What were your worst mistakes when you first started?

[aart]

Bought an adult flock......wanted eggs now.
Got eggs, along with lice and scaly leg mites too.

 

[NewBoots]

Thinking I could LOVE a rooster into being nice.

*im thinking is there a limit to this thread cause I could really take up space*​

Please go on, the more the merrier. Plus think of all the mistakes you will be saving us from?

 

[Melky]

Two words- "Prefab Coop"
I'm fine with my coop- a Prefab with a hecka lot of improvements- added run, automattic door, added coop.

X2 Prefab Coop.

 

[bobbi-j]

And chicken math, once you recognize tension in the flock from too many birds, you will never go back. It sneaks up on you, but a predator helped me out the first time, and I realized they were so much more happy with less chickens in there.

Mrs K

So...what do you mean by chicken math? Are you going by the info you get when looking at coop designs? Such as, "Suitable for 4-6 chickens" and so on? Or is there another relevant equation?[/QUOTE]
Chicken math - adding more, not subtracting with the additions. Suddenly ending up with an over crowded coop or more chickens than one knows what to do with.

 

[christwodog]

Not installing electric fence charger from day one.

 

[Al Capon]

Building a coop is like buying a gun safe. Build a coop at least 2x bigger than what you think you need.

 

[bobbi-j]

Great thread here!

 

[BantyChooks]

Bought an adult flock......wanted eggs now.
Got eggs, along with lice and scaly leg mites too.

x2, that was a downside, though it was nice having an easy 'transition' into chickens. I gradually took over for my neighbour, yelled for help if there was any trouble, and eventually moved the coop over here.

I wouldn't say I regret it... but I won't do it again, if I ever have to restart my flock.

 

[ChickenLeg]

Not knowing about coccidiosis, worms, and being predator proof.

 

[Thechickentrainer1999]

Lack of knowledge on diseases, worms, protection.