Reply to Backyard chickens-who has them and do your neighbors care?

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[quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous][quote=Anonymous]I had chickens growing up. To do it right is a ton, ton of work. You need to have a plan for how you will keep them warm in the winter. They will get frostbite on their Combs if not kept warm enough. Water also must be kept warm enough not to freeze. Many solutions for this are not suitable for a small backyard so you are looking at heating the structure. You need a vermin plan. The feed and straw and eggs attract rats, mice, raccoons, foxes, etc. no responsible seller will sell you 2. 4 or 5 is the usual minimum. They are happiest in flocks and you need to be realistic about predators. You may wind up with 2-3, but shouldn't start with 2-3. Plan on collecting eggs, mucking, changing feed/water, etc at least twice a day. You need a good plan for if you ever need to go away. Most vacation pet sitters are not equipped to handle these needs. You also need to find a vet that knows what he/she is doing.

I enjoyed having them as a child. It was a ton of work. I will not have them as an adult because the benefits do not outweigh the hassle for me personally.[/quote]

Never have to muck the coop because of the way it's designed.  Underfeed and let them forage for the rest so there are no vermin.  Coop has proved predator proof (we have raccoons, foxes and feral cats with or without chix).  A dog bowl water heater keeps the temps safe.  Others just use a light bulb.  Check in twice a day, extremely quick.  Friends volunteer to care for them, swap with other keepers and hire a young teen to fill in.  They can be put on autopilot for 3-4 days, but I prefer not to.  [/quote]

+1 [/quote]

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