where do i even start?

[Chemguy]

Quote:
This has been an unexpected benefit for me. My father-in-law moved into a condo a few years back and misses the upkeep on his house. I didn't go looking for a construction pal, but I sure did find one! It has been great getting together with him to build the coop.

 

[duckinnut]

Before you start your sales pitch,go online and print out all the pros and cons of chicken raising so that your parents can look at them. Just quoting facts sometimes diminishes the sale. Nobody usually buys a car without looking over the options. Also in Mass you have to buy at least 6 chicks. Just do your homework on it and your parents will be more than receptive to the idea. Go to craigslist and look for an old shed to convert to a coop and maybe a dog run that can be used for the chickens. This will help keep the cost down. Go to a local farmers market and buy fresh eggs cook them up for mom and dad and see what they think. Put a fresh egg and a store egg open in seperate bowls and show them the difference. There are so many ways to convince them .Good Luck!!!

 

[heather112588]

My parents were the same way when i mentioned that i wanted some chickens
...I remember like it was yesterday; my mom said "chickens are messy and alot of work".
My father said to not get my hopes up as the fox will probably get them (my father was secretly on my side) but said i would have to convince my mom (and of course they would be my responsibilty...building the coop, feed and all).

My mother had one weakness, she was obcessed with babies (a few chicks pics describing the breed traits and she said ok).

1. They eat tons of table scraps.
2. The eggs you get will be healthier and free.
3. They eat mosquitos, yellow jackets and japanese beetles (which ruin gardens) . Ours even eat stink bugs (which if you live is the east coast, you know its an epidemic).

 

[babigyrl22]

Do you homework. Present it in a professional way and give good examples. I think your parents would appreciate your efforts and your ability to answer all of their questions. There is a great section in the Food, Inc. movie that describes the chicken industry.

You need add credibility to your plea for chickens. Go for it!

1. Build up a cost projection sheet for the coop/run construction and how you are going to raise it.
2. Monthly budget for food (price out local feed stores and elevators)
3. How many chickens you want to raise
4. What kinds of chickens you would like to raise and why (Egg Laying flock, batam or ornamental flock, meat chickens, mix?)
5. Economic benefits to having chickens (eggs, composting, selling?)
6. Social benefits to having chickens (responsibility, social well being, cultural trends)

Good luck!