I keep thinking about having chickens in my yard. I’m totally pro-chicken as far as city codes go; I’m just not sure if I want to have the day in, day out care of the gals.
My friend has several grown hens living in the coop outside and around her yard and several more adolescents in a big box in her garage waiting to move to the great outdoors.
I love the idea of them out in the garden with me, eating the bugs, generously pooping their wonderful fertilizer and keeping me company. I’m just not sure I want to trek through wet grass and rain all fall and winter, everyday to make sure they’re happy, fed and watered. It’s one more, or literally 4 more pets to add to the menagerie.
I love fresh eggs, and would adore having them year round; not just when I am at the Farmers Market.
Our city allows residents to keep up to four hens per single-family houses within the city. As I understand it, the chickens lay eggs for a few years and then stop. They live to be 8 or 9 years old. My concern is that when they stop laying I’d still want eggs so would need more laying hens. It won’t be long before there are a whole lot of chickens as pets, with only a few layers. If I go on vacation do I need a chicken sitter?
It’s a big commitment; one that I’m taking my time with. I will continue to ask questions, visit hen houses and do my homework before embarking on chicken keeping. Anybody out there want to give me their opinion? Tell me your experience. Leave your comments. Help me make my decision.
Even with my concerns, how can I resist this face??
Having chickens is running a small farm EVERYDAY. I vote that you maybe chicken-sit someone's hens for a week or two and then you will know.
Posted by: Molly | 07/24/2011 at 01:47 AM