I would watch some videos about the pros and cons of owning chickens. I’ve considered it but I’ve learned a few things that make me wonder if I can do it.

My neighbors had chickens. They’ve recently moved and took their chickens and coops. Suddenly, I had rats in my attic. The exterminator said they were probably living in or under the coops. The chickens left and the rats packed their little rat bags and came to my house. They like bird seed and chicken feed, according to my guy. I’d say it’s probably best not to put coops close to a house.

For some, the feed is expensive. When you consider the cost of the chickens and the feed, plus taking care of the animals and preventing bugs, parasites etc, it could be more costly than just buying eggs. Also, you can’t really go away and leave them. You’ll have to get someone to take care of them. They need daily attention. I have a bird and it’s extremely hard going away with or without him. Everyone I know likes my dog but the bird needs a lot more daily care, imho. I feel very guilty if I don’t let him out several times a day. And he could get sick and die a lot easier than my dog. It’s just a big responsibility and many people aren’t comfortable with birds. Probably same with chickens.

The neighbor’s coops were right next to my property line. I don’t think that was very considerate, but that’s another story. The chickens stunk. Every week, the owners would clean the coops and the water would run over to my property toward my pool. I could smell poop. I wasn’t impressed. He would spray something toxic smelling, as well. If it was Sevin- that’s really bad for humans and animals alike. It also gets into the eggs. Another thing- at least in Florida, the local raccoons, opossum, hawks and snakes are all very interested in chickens and eggs. I’ve heard some horror stories about what the ‘coons did to the chickens. Also, there are a lot of bugs to think about. Where I live, fleas, roaches, mosquitos, etc all thrive. I have a company treat my lawn every month. So that’s probably an added expense if you live in a warmer climate.

I would love to have a little farm but it seems like a huge commitment and there are deed restrictions. I guess it depends on how many chickens you get, where you live and how much time you have and I know there are many positives but I’m just pointing out things I’ve learned about them.

Regarding prepping and how bad it could get? God only knows. I do things to help feel better. I have less anxiety knowing I can go probably a year or more on what I have. It’s the Marine in me but I honestly hate MREs now. They give me bad heartburn, bad memories and I know they’re valuable but I don’t focus a lot of my food supplies on that. I have a lot of non perishables and supplies and pick up more when there are sales on necessary items. Just do what you can. If you don’t end up getting your own chickens, find out who has them and see if you can arrange something for trading or buying their eggs. My friend has too many to deal with and is happy giving them away to people. I don’t like to push “Nextdoor” but it is valuable for things like this. Who has chickens, who has surplus eggs, what could be traded, etc.

My faith has gotten me through some terrible times. I know we can get through this but the simple thing that stands out to me the most is...... will the current stress turn many into hateful people or will it make us better human beings? That, to me is the existential crisis. Will it make us bitter, angry, vengeful or will it make us stronger and more creative and willing to work harder for the things we appreciate? Like eggs, chicken, etc. I think we’ve taken a lot for granted. I don’t want to speak for Venezuela but we’ve been the land of plenty and a lot of people think food just magically shows up on the table or in the fridge or at restaurants and don’t understand the hard work and logistics involved. Growing some of your own (even just a few types of food items) raising chickens if you can, not wasting money on junk and convenience items, conserving things that are valuable, repurposing things instead of throwing them out and giving to those who don’t have enough all make a lot of sense to me. I think it’s a Christ-like way to live, regardless what is going on in the world. Faith to me has always been about the journey. It’s hard what we’re going through but we’re going to emerge on the other side eventually. We always do. What kind of people will we be?

Sorry so long.

I would watch some videos about the pros and cons of owning chickens. I’ve considered it but I’ve learned a few things that make me wonder if I can do it.

My neighbors had chickens. They’ve recently moved and took their chickens and coops. Suddenly, I had rats in my attic. The exterminator said they were probably living in or under the coops. The chickens left and the rats packed their little rat bags and came to my house. They like bird seed and chicken feed, according to my guy. I’d say it’s probably best not to put coops close to a house.

For some, the feed is expensive. When you consider the cost of the chickens and the feed, plus taking care of the animals and preventing bugs, parasites etc, it could be more costly than just buying eggs. Also, you can’t really go away and leave them. You’ll have to get someone to take care of them. They need daily attention. I have a bird and it’s extremely hard going away with or without him. Everyone I know likes my dog but the bird needs a lot more daily care, imho. I feel very guilty if I don’t let him out several times a day. And he could get sick and die a lot easier than my dog. It’s just a big responsibility and many people aren’t comfortable with birds. Probably same with chickens.

The neighbor’s coops were right next to my property line. I don’t think that was very considerate, but that’s another story. The chickens stunk. Every week, the owners would clean the coops and the water would run over to my property toward my pool. I could smell poop. I wasn’t impressed. He would spray something toxic smelling, as well. If it was Sevin- that’s really bad for humans and animals alike. It also gets into the eggs. Another thing- at least in Florida, the local raccoons, opossum, hawks and snakes are all very interested in chickens and eggs. I’ve heard some horror stories about what the ‘coons did to the chickens. Also, there are a lot of bugs to think about. Where I live, fleas, roaches, mosquitos, etc all thrive. I have a company treat my lawn every month. So that’s probably an added expense if you live in a warmer climate.

I would love to have a little farm but it seems like a huge commitment and there are deed restrictions. I guess it depends on how many chickens you get, where you live and how much time you have and I know there are many positives but I’m just pointing out things I’ve learned about them.

Regarding prepping and how bad it could get? God only knows. I do things to help feel better. I have less anxiety knowing I can go probably a year or more on what I have. It’s the Marine in me but I honestly hate MREs now. They give me bad heartburn, bad memories and I know they’re valuable but I don’t focus a lot of my food supplies on that. I have a lot of non perishables and supplies and pick up more when there are sales on necessary items. Just do what you can. If you don’t end up getting your own chickens, find out who has them and see if you can arrange something for trading or buying their eggs. My friend has too many to deal with and is happy giving them away to people. I don’t like to push “Nextdoor” but it is valuable for things like this. Who had chickens, who has surplus eggs, what could be traded, etc.

My faith has gotten me through some terrible times. I know we can get through this but the simple thing that stands out to me the most is...... will the current stress turn many into hateful people or will it make us better human beings? That, to me is the existential crisis. Will it make us bitter, angry, vengeful or will it make us stronger and more creative and willing to work harder for the things we appreciate? Like eggs, chicken, etc. I think we’ve taken a lot for granted. I don’t want to speak for Venezuela but we’ve been the land of plenty and a lot of people think food just magically shows up on the table or in the fridge or at restaurants and don’t understand the hard work and logistics involved. Growing some of your own (even just a few types of food items) raising chickens if you can, not wasting money on junk and convenience items, conserving things that are valuable, repurposing things instead of throwing them out and giving to those who don’t have enough all make a lot of sense to me. I think it’s a Christ-like way to live, regardless what is going on in the world. Faith to me has always been about the journey. It’s hard what we’re going through but we’re going to emerge on the other side eventually. We always do. What kind of people will we be?

Sorry so long.