This may seem like a silly question but it is something my hubby and I debate all the time. I would like to have chickens but he feels that it would take too much time. I have RA and he feels that if I should have a bad streak it would be just one more chore for him to do and his plate is full right now. I know there is the setup time required to make the coop, etc., I am interested in the daily chores that are required. And I am talking feeding, cleaning, etc. - the real basics.

-- Chris in PA (CLMngs@aol.com), February 17, 2002

Answers

My favorite is wood shavings.

Little bit Farm

-- Little Bit Farm (littlebit@brightok.net), November 29, 2003.

Honestly I think I spend twenty minutes a day actually in my chicken pen, tops. Cleaning for us is a monthly duty and sometimes less often if we use deep bedding. Other times spent would be for dealing with birds who may be sick, injured or with babies who may need to be in the house for whatever reason. I would say that runs about an hour every two or three months. My chickens take very little time, but do require frequent visits for checking for potential problems. Watching your chickens for ten minutes a day can save a lot of wasted time later.

Little Bit Farm

-- Little bit Farm (littlebit@farm.com), February 17, 2002.

Depends on how large a flock you want. I had 6 hens and a rooster and like Lil Bit Farm says, 20 min. tops a day. The only set back for me was if I had to go out of town, and then I just had someone come feed and check on them. They are EASY to care for and provided some laughs as well, I miss having them, soon again though.

-- juana (juanamustang@yahoo.com), February 17, 2002.

In response to little bits comment about ten minutes saving you headaches later ( or something like that )... It is also relaxing to stand and watch your birds, and listen to the sounds of the earth. Just a few minutes really gives me energy to continue with the stress of the day...... just my tcw...Kristean

-- Kristean Thompson (pigalena_babe@yahoo.com), February 17, 2002.

The time that is necessary to take care of a flock is much shorter than the time to enjoy. It takes nearly no time at all to fill feeders and waterers and gather a few eggs. Closing them up at night if that is a must would be another min. They may be a bother but I can assure your hubby it is worth it. Luck to you!

-- charlie (charliesap@pldi.net), February 19, 2002.

When I had chickens I only had to spend maybe 5 min. a day on them. That included feeding, watering and collecting eggs. My chickens had a large doghouse to sleep in and were free range during the day. I only had to clean thier dog house once a month and it took 15 min. to scoop the pine shavings out and throw new shavings in. I had some very happy chickens!

-- Buffy in Dallas (buffyannjones@hotmail.com), February 19, 2002.

Thank you all very much for your much needed advice. When I get over the hurdle of getting a coop,etc. I will be ready for more.

-- Chris in PA (CLMngs@aol.com), February 22, 2002.

20 birds,,, can be nothing,, expect to let them out in the morning, and putting them back at night,, no more than 30 mins, even when I clean the waterer

-- Stan (sopal@net-port.com), February 26, 2002.

What do you all use for bedding? I have looked into a few things, but I just wanted everyone's input on it. Thank you!

-- Aly Smith (HermitCrabALY@aol.com), November 28, 2003.