We bought a small farm in central VT and have been renovating it. We're in an agricultural community and getting to know our way around. I've been dying to have small flock of chickens (5-7) for years. I have spent countless hours reading, studying, dreaming of coop and run and tractor designs. I have a library of chicken and backyard animal books. I even have a good idea of what breed I'd like. I'm sooooo ready. Here is the challenge. I don't live there full time. Eventually we'll be there full time, but not for a few more years until retirement. I commute back and forth 2 hours from our suburban location and spend 1/2 the week in each place. It just wouldn't be responsible chicken parenting to try to raise a flock under these circumstances. We are very handy and technology is our "friend". And although we've designed some automation into the house, I'm not sure that designing it into our chicken management would be enough compensation. The responsible thing would be to wait until we retire (although then the hubs wants to travel more and is "done" with living things in his life although we have 3 dogs and he seems to always need a basset hound in his life). I'm the opposite. I want chickens and 2 goats! I guess I will have to live vicariously through this and other forums... Unless.... some of you out there are in the same boat and have figured out a responsible way to be chicken caretakers... Anyone? Chicken Pining in New England....
An alternative to waiting for retirement would be striking an agreement with someone local to your farm who would be willing to tend your chickens when you're not there.
