Things to Consider About chickens

I want to share this post I made on Facebook a few months ago again. This information is so important and we’ve already been asked for a lot of help by new chicken owners who feel overwhelmed and over their heads this year. We are ALWAYS happy to help but please read this information , especially new or potential chicken owners.

To everyone thinking of getting chicks this year due to the egg shortage, please be aware of a few crucial things before buying chicks.

Not all places allow you to have chickens. Before you run to the store or order online, please check your neighborhood regulations and make sure you can have chickens

Hens take anywhere from 4-6 months to mature enough to lay eggs. They won’t be consistent for a few weeks after they start laying

Chickens are an investment. You’ll spend $50-200 on chicks alone (depending on where you get them and the breed) then another $500-3000 on a solid coop and run with enough space and protection from predators and the elements and then another $40-60 a month in food. That’s not counting any medications, supplements, or extra treats. That’s just basic food.

Not every chicken breed is good for every location. You have to research your zone and what breeds are the best. Many states require a certain amount of hens to be bought at the same time. In MA it’s usually a minimum of 6.

Chickens live anywhere from 3-8 years on average. Do you have a plan for your older hens or if you move?

If you accidentally get a rooster, do you know of somewhere safe he can go to live out his life? If you’re allowed roosters in your town, do you have a plan to keep him quiet at night?

Chickens get sick and hurt. They need proper vet care and maintenance. Do you have the time and funds to provide proper care?

Chickens are astoundingly smart and sensitive animals. They’re also one of the most abused farm animals in the history of human existence. They memorize faces, voices, and have their own specific sounds for their caretakers. They eat ticks and grubs, they help with compost, and they’re extremely loving creatures. They need to have friends and space to run around and explore.

I am ALL about food and self sustainability. I would love if everyone had a garden and chickens and farm animals. If people were more aware of how hard farmers work and where their food came from, we’d have a lot healthier people and a much more sustainable environment. But please, before jumping head first into it, research and ask questions. Be prepared instead of caught off guard.

Support your local and small farmers. Please. Buy local and learn how hard agricultural families work.