What were your worst mistakes when you first started?

[NH Chicken Mama]

I do that but i won't call it a mistake, I call it a blessing.. I am used to the smell and everyone else gets out of my way lol

adding mental note...

 

[NH Chicken Mama]

My barn shoes and boots don't go anywhere else, because it's better biosecurity for my flock. I'm not as likely to bring anything 'ungood' back home to them.
Mary

Duly noted. I guess the beginner chicken-keeper shopping list should include boots and shoes for chicken keeping. I'll take an excuse to buy something for me!

 

[aart]

smooth soles and not picking up any feces.

Yup. Smoother soles are key, IMO.
PseudoCrocs in summer and an old funky pair of ankle boots(similar to the Bogs) for winter. Couple good places to scrape the soles then grass patch for wiping...and well, just watch where you walk.

 

[NH Chicken Mama]

For the chicken yard I use deck shoes in nice weather for their smooth soles and not picking up any feces. In inclement weather I use a pair of Bogs my daughter bought me. They are similar to muck boots, somewhat insulated and have relatively smooth soles. They've lasted me years. https://www.bogsfootwear.com/shop/index.html
A pair of cheap deck shoes usually last a little more than one season. Not bad for $15.

Nice. I tried on Bogs ages ago and they hurt my feet going in, but I was definitely not leaning towards them at the time (should have, though, not-yet-hubby was buying me winter boots and pointed them out... I didn't want to buy expensive ones, though. Of course the cheap boots split within a year )

I'll plan on some for this winter, then. It's coming faster than I want.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

Nice. I tried on Bogs ages ago and they hurt my feet going in, but I was definitely not leaning towards them at the time (should have, though, not-yet-hubby was buying me winter boots and pointed them out... I didn't want to buy expensive ones, though. Of course the cheap boots split within a year )

I'll plan on some for this winter, then. It's coming faster than I want.

I don't have much money but my daughter always buys quality stuff for me at Christmas and birthdays. That's just how she rolls.

 

[NH Chicken Mama]

Yup. Smoother soles are key, IMO.
PseudoCrocs in summer and an old funky pair of ankle boots(similar to the Bogs) for winter. Couple good places to scrape the soles then grass patch for wiping...and well, just watch where you walk.

Easier said than done with the watching. Went down to see how my ladies were faring in their run in the rain, and as I was walking away realized I hadn't been scoping the ground for poop in my slippers...

 

[NH Chicken Mama]

I don't have much money but my daughter always buys quality stuff for me at Christmas and birthdays. That's just how she rolls.

I love that. We do the 'good stuff' for gifts, too. Got a great North Face waterproof winter parka a few Christmases ago. I actually stay fairly warm now! (I despise winter).

 

[rosemarythyme]

My hubby pretty much only wears Bogs now (he likes that he can just pull them on). I have 2 pairs for working outdoors, one for chickens and the other for general gardening or rainy weather. They hold up well though fit can be an issue since they're fairly stiff. The ones I wear into the chicken run don't fit me well so they hurt if I walk around a lot, but the rainboots are extremely comfortable.

 

[aart]

Easier said than done with the watching. Went down to see how my ladies were faring in their run in the rain, and as I was walking away realized I hadn't been scoping the ground for poop in my slippers...

Another 'mistake'.... wearing your slippers outside (in the rain!?!) to check on the chickens! Sorry, no sympathy.

 

[ChickenCanoe]

My hubby pretty much only wears Bogs now (he likes that he can just pull them on). I have 2 pairs for working outdoors, one for chickens and the other for general gardening or rainy weather. They hold up well though fit can be an issue since they're fairly stiff. The ones I wear into the chicken run don't fit me well so they hurt if I walk around a lot, but the rainboots are extremely comfortable.

I'll have to ask her where she bought them but REI might carry them. A good friend of mine is a boot shoe expert at REI Outdoors. She always gets awards for footwear sales, her skill at fitting and matching one's activities with the right shoe/boot. You may need to find someone like her and get fitted. Sorry, she works in Santa Barbara California but I imagine most of the REI stores have a person like her.