IrshChick Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I want chickens! We have a BIG garden, and my neighbours will share in the cost and work of the iglu and chickens - but my dad objects Help me please! He says they're too noisy for the neighbours? He says they're a lot of work? He says we can't leave them at weekends? He says they get sick easily? He says that I'll cry when they die (OK - I agree!) He says we need 6 for 2 families to share? Is he right? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I want chickens!We have a BIG garden, and my neighbours will share in the cost and work of the iglu and chickens - but my dad objects Help me please! He says they're too noisy for the neighbours? Not if you have a big garden and don't keep a rooster. He says they're a lot of work? They are not. 10 mins a day and maybe an hour at the w/e at the most. He says we can't leave them at weekends? You can. He says they get sick easily? Not easily. It would be unrealistic to say that they never get ill, but with care there shouldn't be too many problems. He says that I'll cry when they die (OK - I agree!) He is right, you will. He says we need 6 for 2 families to share? Depends on how many eggs you both need. Keep chipping away at him. Good luck. Welcome to the forum by the way! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Shirl Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 10 minutes a day ! I doubt if I spend 5, well if you take out time spent just watching them It takes about 1/2 an hour for a good clean out maybe more if it's got really pooey. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tessa the Duchess Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 He says they're too noisy for the neighbours? He says they're a lot of work? He says we can't leave them at weekends? He says they get sick easily? He says that I'll cry when they die (OK - I agree!) He says we need 6 for 2 families to share? Is he right? They are not noisy in a bad way, they make clucking noises and the odd yark when they lay an egg. They are definitely not a lot of work, a clean out once a week is pretty much all you need do. You need to let them out in the a.m. and close them up at bedtime, they put themselves to bed. You can certainly leave them for a weekend, get a neighbour to collect the eggs and just check they have sufficient food and water. Chickens are mainly tough as old boots, as long as you make sure they eat the right things and that their house is kept clean just as you would with a dog or cat. You will defintely cry when they die, but that is just being human. If you want to get 6 you should probably buy a cube not an eglu. If your dad loves his garden, you will need to fence off a bit specially for the chickens so they don't trash your dad's garden. It is right that your dad is reluctant, but I bet he falls in love with them and tell him to think about all the lovely fresh eggs he will get, plus all round entertainment watching their antics. Good luck, hope you win him round. Tessa Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmy Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 He says they're too noisy for the neighbours? No there not. He says they're a lot of work? Not with an Eglu He says we can't leave them at weekends? can if you have a super glug and grub He says they get sick easily? No - not really He says that I'll cry when they die (OK - I agree!) Definately but they are worth it He says we need 6 for 2 families to share? 1 chicken lays over 300 a year so... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I know we all sound biased as we are chicken owners but tell your dad 1. they are not noisy at all except for lovely quiet clucks as the pootle round the garden..we have neighbours both sides and "Ooops, word censored!"oy has ever heard them 2. they take so little cleaning - my kids have had guinea pigs and wehave a dog and both have taken more maintenance than the chooks because of the eglu design which makes it the most user-friendly animal house ever 3. you will most certainly cry when they die, but then so might he!! 4. they are by far the funniest pets we have ever had and he will laugh at their antics and get to know their personalities very quickly 5. the eggs are fantastic - so different from shop-bought eggs adn such fun to discover. Down sides?? Well...one of our chickens died overnight when we had had her about 3 weeks - apparently this can happen...but I have no experience of any illness since then...you do need someone to check on them if youa re away but if it's only for a weekend it is a 2 minute job and the kind folk get free eggs in return! Sharing chickens is a great idea - the number depends on how many egges everyone wants! My partner was very dubious about getting chickens as we have 4 kids, a dog and 2 full-time jobs but despite the fact that he thinks I love them more than him( he could be right!) he is amused by them and loves the eggs... good luck Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrshChick Posted February 10, 2008 Author Share Posted February 10, 2008 We already looked at the cube and we thinks it's great. .I'll try to talk him into it!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanbb Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I agree with everything everyone else says. They are brilliant pets. All you need to do is get your dad to hold a chicken and he will be telling everyone it was his idea in the first place Good luck, but I'm sure we'll hear your positive response soon Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Timmy Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Have you asked him yet? keep us posted Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Little Miss Webmuppet is having the same problem with her Dad but is slowing winning him over! Keep plugging away at him he will give in eventually. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
little chickadee Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Why not get him to go to a hen party (see the courses page off the main home page) I agree with what everyone else has said. I think they make a really wonderful addition to the garden, especially if you get lots of different colours, they look fabulous together. Good luck (I have a cube and think they are great!) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckmomma Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 He says they're too noisy for the neighbours? Thought the neighbours wanted to be involved so why would they complain He says they're a lot of work? Kids are hard work, he still had you He says we can't leave them at weekends? If you go away the neighbours can care for them and I think you may find some hen sitters on this forum He says they get sick easily? Where did he get that bit of information from? He says that I'll cry when they die (OK - I agree!) All pets die eventually, and we cry, is he saying you are not allowed a pet of any kind, even a hamster or goldfish in case you end up crying? He says we need 6 for 2 families to share? How many eggs does he want? Lots of people on here have enough eggs to share with family and friends At least your not asking for a dog or a horse Maybe you should then he will be only too happy to let you have chickens Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanut12 Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 I first came across chickens when I drove to Omlet to help my friend collect his Eglu. HAd never considered it before that but was hooked in 5 minutes. Got home at 5pm, showed the wife the website and ordered the Eglu and starter set next day. Picked them up two weeks later, wife dubious but also hooked in 5 minutes. The neighbours love them for two reasons 1. the eggs 2. something different to look at. My wife bought me two more hens for my birthday and I've now built a bigger run for them. Also - as a teacher, I 've talked the Head and Governors into getting 10 hens for school. Get DAD near a chicken and he'll soon get EGGSITED Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Eyren Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 He says we need 6 for 2 families to share? Everyone has covered the questions well, so let's just do the maths. An egg-laying hybrid (like the Omlet ones) lays about 6 eggs a week. Six chickens between two families = 3 boxes of eggs each a week. If that's how many you are already buying, then yes, you'll need 6 - and a cube. How about 3 chickens? Then if one does die (like they do occasionally), you'll still have two chickens to keep one another company and a box of eggs each a week, and if not, you'll have an extra chicken to make up for when one or other of them goes broody Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IrshChick Posted February 10, 2008 Author Share Posted February 10, 2008 HELLO EVERY ONE THIS IRSHCHICKS DAD How do I know that you bunch are not all CHICKENS? _ I've seen Chicken Run - and all seem SOOO enthusiastic! Mum Dad and both kids would love pets of some sort - and you guys have formed some great arguments for the chooks! 1 neighbouring family are willing to share our brood and responsibilities, which I think will be a great community excercise - but we've more than 1 neighbour, but you're all winning the argument on the noise question. What is the life span of a chicken? We're in N IReland - any members in this part of the world? Can I get chooks locally? My daughter has fallen in love with the pure-breds - (Cause they look cute!) - am I better with cross breeds and let her get 1 special one (She's picked a name for it already!) I'm getting there - and the fact that we can rely on you bunch is very reassuring. She'll still have to do a LOT of sucking up before my minds made up Thanks for your help - and enthusiasm Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
englishchick Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Helloo.. I'm irshchick's neighbours' daughter and I am officially hooked on the chicken idea. We've had visits from chickens recently and they had a great time on the trampoline. I say go for it =] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hi Irshchick's Dad Here are some breeders. A&G Poultry, Omagh 018 807 57164 Ballymory Poultry Farm, Antrim 028 276 64078 Pekin Bantams Armagh, 028 388 41051 Hugh Phillips,Lisburn. 07714 167681 Rock Cottage Bantams, Co Down 07768 910647 Mrs Dickinson 02820 751298 (Black Rocks only) Hens live around 5 years, give or take. Go o.....let her have some.....and a lovely pink Eglu to keep them in! It will keep her out of mischief and you in fresh eggs. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
peanut12 Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hi Irishchick's Dad I know you said she's got a lot of sucking up to do but it sounds to me from your comments that someone is convinced but just playng the old Dad won't give in that easily card. Go on.........just do it you won't regret it and remember, they're better than a normal pet, the economically a good idea too Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Duckmomma Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Go on Irish chicks Dad Go for it You know she will love you forever And maybe more importantly You will be making a family Memory Your Daughter will always remember when the family got chickens And you will be the star in the recounting of the story in years to come Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ain't Nobody Here Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hello Irshchick and Dad & neighbour's daughter I agree with everyone else . Go on, get some, you won't regret it . They are so easy to look after and great fun too (and their eggs are delicious!) The only problem sometimes can be getting someone to chickensit when you're away ........ but you've got a solution to that already, so you've got no excuse . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
susanbb Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Irishchick's dad..............you know you have to Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
alih Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Hello Irish chick's dad! I don't know about hybrids versus pure bred but there will be plenty of folk who do know and can advise you. Omlet are really good at sourcing local suppliers - when my first one died I rang them at 8 am and by 3 pm I had found, spoken to and visited my nearest one and got a new chicken. They apparently live 3 ish years but I have friends who say that if they are well loved and spolied they can live longer. I think they lay for about 2 years. we have 2 and have plenty of eggs for our family of 6 and to give to loved ones. If you share them with your neighbours my only fear is that you will all want them to yourselves before long....my daughter had her 12th birthday party yesterday and rather than all sitting around being cool, the children spent their time chasing and "cuddling" the poor chickens. They are addictive, so watch out! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Laura007 Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 as for how long they live 2 of mine are nearly 3 years old and 2 are 2 years old. all are still laying and they really are top pets. go on irishchicks dad, you know you want to!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Egluntyne Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Four of mine are three years old and the other four are almost two and are all still laying. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chelsea Posted February 10, 2008 Share Posted February 10, 2008 Welcome to the forum Irsh chick, & dad and neighbours daughter and neighbours! Chickens make the greatest pets, they take up a small amount of your time and reward you with lovely eggs. We have 3 pure breeds and 1 hybrid and this weekend we have an egg from all of them. We go away a lot at weekends for 2/3 nights and as long as you leave them with plenty of food and water they will be absolutely fine. You will not regret getting chooks, actually I would put money almost on you getting addicted to chooks and getting loads - everyone on here does!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
