What were your worst mistakes when you first started?

[BY Bob]

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

I have to agree. Believing Tractor Supply that the coop I bought would hold up to 8 chickens. It wasn't big enough for 2 and we had 6. I was always trying to fix the situation until I just built one specific for the job.

 

[Chullicken]

I had them for a few years as a teen and when I got back into the 'hobby' later on in life I just went completely dumb on day when I walked into TSC. Wanted to get back into it, just should have waited a few weeks and 'undumbed' myself first.

A amusing list of some of the things and conversations I've had with myself while freezing outside, hunched over with a chicken on my back shoveling poop and collecting eggs while methodically swearing and staring at my flock as they judge me;

1) Ventilation
2) Should have built a walk in coop idiot, now my back hurts and its awkward. Some of my chickens take me hunched over as a 'new and exciting roost to check out' and poop down my jacket.
3) Do it today, not tomorrow. Learned the hard way. Chickens don't do well with procrastination, but sickness and predators do. (Sorry kids, I'm still guilt ridden years later)
4) Do the research...so much hogwash and gimmicks to be found online and in the words of people who don't have any idea. Find and get to know people that actually have experience and wisdom on the subject, even if its not what you want to read or hear. They'll be your chicken best friend and you'll sleep better at night.
5) DO NOT rear chicks in your bedroom because you think its cute! EVER. I mean its OK if you like a layer of silt, dandruff and dried poop coated nicely on everything you own even a year later I'm still finding pockets of it.
6) Learn to SAY NO to yourself and more importantly...your feather babies. (Its so hard!)
7) Do Not Join breeder groups because you think its a fun and open community. Its very one way, linear and some other things that really left me with a huge distaste for the entire idea of some breeds I really loves for a very long time. Its VERY OK if my chickens don't have pedigree toe nails, doesn't make them any less than amazing.

 

[Chullicken]

I'm apparently well on my way to contributing to this thread from the sounds of it, lol. I've got chickens before the coop or run....Chicks, anyway. They will be ready to go outside in a couple weeks, and no outbuilding to put them in to acclimate them from 70 to 30. (Don't start a flock just as winter is hitting).

I'm pretty sure I'm feeding them too many treats (when they go outside is it ok as long as you lay off the carbs?).

I've been cleaning the brooder out every day for 4 weeks, and then hear that it's ok not to do it every day. Not necessarily a mistake, just creating more work for myself.

Oh gosh that's going to be a rough one for all parties involved.

 

[2 many chickens]

Many.
Free ranging was one. Lost many to a fox and a hawk. Haven't lost any since I stopped that.

Brooding in the house was another one. Having chickens and ducks in the house was a joke. Never again.

 

[Chullicken]

Many.
Free ranging was one. Lost many to a fox and a hawk. Haven't lost any since I stopped that.

Brooding in the house was another one. Having chickens and ducks in the house was a joke. Never again.

Same for me...I let my neighbors (parents) talk me into free ranging because they liked the feel of it against my gut instinct. One bye one my girls disappeared and left me guilt ridden and angry.

 

[2 many chickens]

Same for me...I let my neighbors (parents) talk me into free ranging because they liked the feel of it against my gut instinct. One bye one my girls disappeared and left me guilt ridden and angry.

Me too. I feel guilty sometimes that they can't run the property and explore, just be a chicken. Rather them be alive and safe though. They have a big enclosed area so it's okay. I stopped free ranging the night I watched my barred rock die from a fox attack. I did find their den the next week and destroyed it. Haven't seen the foxes since but I see crazy hawks everyday.

 

[SomeChickinTN]

Me too. I feel guilty sometimes that they can't run the property and explore, just be a chicken. Rather them be alive and safe though. They have a big enclosed area so it's okay. I stopped free ranging the night I watched my barred rock die from a fox attack. I did find their den the next week and destroyed it. Haven't seen the foxes since but I see crazy hawks everyday.

I'm probably not going to be able to explain this the way it is in my head, but the way I look at free range guilt is that while they won't be "free" in a run, it's different than imprisonment. They are safe to live a long, happy life. I wish I could fence in my yard and let them roam, but I think personally that having them in a taken care of run is part of good husbandry. It may feel like denying them freedom, but it sort of gives them more.

 

[Valhalla Acres]

Buying chickens from a show and putting them with the rest of the flock right away... worst vet bill EVER. Always separate new birds you buy from the rest of the flock until you are absolutely positive that they healthy.

 

[DiscoverwithDave]

Hi everyone, So much knowledge out there. I always say the world would be a better place if we all would listen to our elders. Our elders have the experience (good and bad) and this is wisdom. Anyway, I have had chickens almost 7 months. I tried to do some research ahead, but never enough. I originally got my birds to naturally get rid of ticks. I thought it would occupy kids and give us free eggs. Well the eggs are not free and it has been 7 months of lots of work, time, and money. I got 2 Guinea Hen and 4 chickens. In general, if asked if I went back 7 months would I do it again and I think I would say "No".

I spent my summer building my own coop. After reading posts I am glad I made it walk in and a decent size. Although the materials alone added up to a lot of money.
My coop if you want to see it. Anyway the Guinea hen are very interesting both good and bad. I am going to make a video all about them on my channel some time soon. I think they bring me more problems than good, but still early to say.
I wanted an automatic door opener. I did not do enough research. The door I get was like a guillotine style and it crushed and killed my son's favorite chicken. She was a beautiful white hen. After her loss I did research and found what I believe to be one of the best doors on market. I liked it so much I made them an ad. I also video taped the installation of the door. I feel so much better with this door. I have no more fear of the door killing my chicken. I think the door was my biggest regret besides taking on the whole chicken raising process. I still have no clue on diseases, but I try to give them vinegar in their water. I am learning about the winter process and keeping water from freezing and not to heat the coop..
Anyway, I really love this site. So professional and knowledgeable.
Thank you!!

 

[Chullicken]

Me too. I feel guilty sometimes that they can't run the property and explore, just be a chicken. Rather them be alive and safe though. They have a big enclosed area so it's okay. I stopped free ranging the night I watched my barred rock die from a fox attack. I did find their den the next week and destroyed it. Haven't seen the foxes since but I see crazy hawks everyday.

On an obsessive, crazed weaselcide at the moment though it has had its tole on me being a very live and let live type these days. Found my wild pet squirrel in the trap yesterday. Great sadness for me at the moment.