I went through the same questions with mine, but 1 year later with 15 hens and 1 rooster...I have no regrets. I haven't run through all the cost numbers, it simply doesn't matter, I've deeply enjoyed the project and I know I've spent far more for far less. In the end however, money is an imaginary thing, fresh eggs to fry for a tastey lunch isn't. No matter what happens, deflation, inflation, out right collapse or nothing at all...nothing beats going out in the yard and harvesting real food.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
That is a great point and something I didn't really touch on in this video. There is something to be said about the security that no matter what happens we will always have some sort of food. These eggs are the best tasting I have ever had as well so that is a bonus:)
@FeelingShred7 жыл бұрын
Yeah! I'm working as a helper at an organic farm and this week I had to clean new ground for planting new crops, there were some vegetables growing up there spontaneously and I picked some leafs to eat, surprisingly they tasted awesome, never in my life I tasted a more succulent leaf, it's really impressive the difference from stuff you buy on supermarket shelves.
@brittanysimmons45547 жыл бұрын
Adventures with Jim
@brandonburrell85176 жыл бұрын
Amen brother!
@njthings47496 жыл бұрын
Can you have chickens is Pennsylvania please reply!!
@BloodyKnives668 жыл бұрын
My chickens help my stress something about taking care of them helps me relax. The eggs are a plus, I don't eat mine they're pretty much pets.
@jackchadwick43508 жыл бұрын
this guy's a good egg!
@o-i-c-udisolve83528 жыл бұрын
jack dickinson- Nicely said lol
@ArtisticVisions20238 жыл бұрын
ahahahahaha
@nite31fpv177 жыл бұрын
E T .........soo are we gonna just ignore the cannibalism here...lol
@Shankabottomus7 жыл бұрын
You should stop avoiding your psychiatrist.
@wynkelly11569 жыл бұрын
Our hens have free run of the back yard during the day. Every morning, one of he hens comes into the house thru the doggie door and lays an egg in the bookcase! Then she cackles proudly before going back outside. Our hens are so FUN! I watch them patrol the yard, and have learned the meaning of all their little sounds. Watching them makes me relax after a stressful day at work. By the way, they LOVE "pasta worms" and "pasta grubs" (cooked spighetti and macaroni).
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Wyn Kelly lol, my wife and I watched a documentary where a couple had a few hens that did that very same thing, that is great! We have also found that the chickens love pasta noodles just about more than any other scraps we give them
@rentevanian59595 жыл бұрын
I guess u like them taking a dump on all ur stuff. Wait till they start laying eggs in places u don't see . But u will smell them when they pop
@BonnetMan-JAMESWADE4 жыл бұрын
A
@ElizabethGonzalez-jt7ns4 жыл бұрын
Wyn Kelly ... I’m looking forward to having chickens. Are they loud? Do neighbors complain?
@tanroj32524 жыл бұрын
@@ElizabethGonzalez-jt7ns look up Non noisy Hen's. Some video's out there that will show you what hen to get that aren't so loud. Like a Silkie. Plus you don't need a roo
@megakaren21608 жыл бұрын
My girls get to run around a lawn, peck at bugs, and take dust baths under some bushes we have in the backyard. They are as happy as can be. Factory chickens never even get to see the light of day. The way they are kept is disgusting. I do not want to support companies that keep chickens in spaces so cramped that they can't even stretch their wings.
@vampirexion8 жыл бұрын
I agree! I don't mind that people eat them, really. but I don't like that they never get to experience this. it saddens me.
I know this video starts off with some wind noise and I went back and forth on whether to put this one up or not. Unfortunately I ran short on time and thought something would be better than nothing in this case. Thanks for the patience and understanding!
@jimdorchak10 жыл бұрын
We don't need not stinking license in Chile for Chickens! Good video. We have had chickens for years and ordered up some new chicks last week to start our first flock and chicken tractor here in Chile.
@SSLFamilyDad10 жыл бұрын
Jim Dorchak Chile! That is awesome and glad to hear that in other countries you can produce your own food without hassle! Thanks for watching!
@taz0699 жыл бұрын
most places will allow you unless you live in a place where you have an association. In south florida is almost everywhere unfortunately.
@timhark68199 жыл бұрын
To me, you didn't answer the question you asked in this video. "Is it worth it"? To me that means is the end product cost effective for the cost input and upkeep of the birds? Do you get enough product out of the birds to justify the products you put into the birds.
@chastjones9 жыл бұрын
Tim Hark The question of "Is it worth it" is really a subjective one. If you are looking at it from a purely economic point of view then no it is not worth it. However pure economics is an extremely poor basis to determine worth. Raising your own eggs is more humane than large scale hen batteries that the big producers use. In these batteries, the hens are confined in small cages and abysmal living conditions their entire lives. They never see the sun or get fresh living natural food. Generally the eggs you raise in your back yard are better for you and taste better as well, especially if you allow your birds to free range and eat what is natural for chickens to eat. Free range eggs are higher in Omega 3 and HDL than the supermarket variety. Finally there is the value of self sufficiency and the satisfaction of doing. Economically, my eggs probably cost 3 times what supermarket eggs cost, but I think they are not only "worth it" the are a bargain!
@maryhayden43568 жыл бұрын
Hens live 8-10 years and only lay eggs reliably for the first 2-3 years. But the manure compost they continue to create is a fabulous additive to the veggie garden. Soil needs less watering, becomes much more fertile, and the weeds are kept down. I love my old non-laying hens!
@SSLFamilyDad8 жыл бұрын
I am planning to make a chicken retirement home in the back of our lot for the old hens to work our compost for us;)
@parabalani7 жыл бұрын
Why not just eat them when they stop laying eggs
@SSLFamilyDad7 жыл бұрын
+Parabalani you can but the meat is not much good after the stop laying
@iMadrid117 жыл бұрын
SSLFamilyDad How tough are old chicken meat? I know they are no longer good for frying. But how about roasting them in an oven or at the grill?
@Tezcax7 жыл бұрын
I cook them in a pressure cooker. Delicious.
@MsMagsamillion9 жыл бұрын
I keep all my chickens as pets, I would never let anyone eat them, they live out their life, even when they stop laying. You owe them that!
@cnmckenna4 жыл бұрын
I dont owe them anything. That's a very strange way to think about livestock.
@Kraftoutdoors4 жыл бұрын
I'll agree. Raised them at chicks. Hope I dont cry when they die of natural causes.
@SirMarex4 жыл бұрын
@@cnmckenna Chickens are not livestock, they are living beings deserving of love and care.
@devashish_4 жыл бұрын
@@cnmckenna He looks at them as his pets, his friends nd companies. You can eat something you don't know and don't love but you won't eat your own pets.
@michaelkissner65214 жыл бұрын
These chickens get used to you being their caretaker and the one who gives them treats and water, and gives them a home to live in safely. I couldn’t imagine eating a member of the family. My bantams are actually my favorite. They’re black austrolorps and they love getting on my lap to cuddle
@KyleLesmeister9 жыл бұрын
I love having my own chickens. I have 31 laying hens and they each have a different personality.
@amazonamz33869 жыл бұрын
+Kyle Lesmeister is it sad when you eat their cousins? do you at least think about it?
@KyleLesmeister9 жыл бұрын
+Amazon Amz I don't eat them. Just the eggs.
@alexdrudigmail9 жыл бұрын
+Amazon Amz When I get a bit upset about the slaughtering process I usually start thinking that if evolution wanted me to be a vegetarian it would have provided me and my kids with vegetarian's teeth and digestive apparatus. Then the silly thoughts just evaporate
@amazonamz33869 жыл бұрын
Alessandro Drudi well actually our teeth are not designed to consume meat, majority of our teeth are flat similar to what you see in herbivores. Also our GI tract is not made for meat consumption, where as a tigers GI tract is very short and made for just meat. We have very long long colons which are exact to herbivores, so your thoughts evaporating just reflects how poorly you utilize your intellect.
@71Macola9 жыл бұрын
As a matter of fact, human teeth show a mix of characteristics: insisors for cutting food, canines for tearing food, molars for grinding. This pattern of dentition reveals an omnivorous diet. Being a Vegetarian is a political and personal choice, not biologically determined. It certainly is a noble choice, but is not destiny. Please do not try to show your opinion as FACT. It is not!
@AntPDC9 жыл бұрын
I admire your philosophy greatly SSL. In post-World War II Britain, there were many hardships, food shortages among them. A change in the law in 1950 (when food rationing was still very much in place) made it possible for everyone, regardless of tenancy agreement, local authority bye-law, or restrictive covenant, to keep chickens in their backyard. Sometimes Governments can be enlightened.
@areaSixTwelve8 жыл бұрын
+AntPDC Thanks, Hitler! OK I reckon that's not what you meant. Still, it's horribly sad what it can take to let sense overtake bureaucratic momentum. A dozen years after food rationing? Jeezy Pete!
@MarkSmith.CharkBait6 жыл бұрын
AntPDC i
@maryjaneg39189 жыл бұрын
Thank you for this video! I am going to do it and get me some chickens! Plus I will show this video to my husband so he will have no more doubts! Im excited and blessed I am able to do this but didn't have the drive to make up my mind! You and your wife have won me over to getting my chickens! woohoo!!
@Nifty-Stuff7 жыл бұрын
Hey, I'm the owner of BackYardChickens.com and stumbled on your great video. I love hearing stories of people going from "Nah, we can't have chickens in a suburban area." to "Hey, we can and we should!" Keep up the great work!
@14omgwtf9 жыл бұрын
I just bought some baby chicks and I am very excited. I are alot of people around ware I live and they have chickens and I was ready to take the plunge and it's a good feeling taking care of them. Can't wait for them to be ready to go outside and lay eggs. It's a wonderful feeling.
@FrederickDunn9 жыл бұрын
So glad to see chickens in your urban backyard. I'm so glad they allow you to have them and I hope your neighbors are nice about it also. Loved your pvc pipe feeder setup... seems perfect for a small flock. No worries about the wind... the information is great!
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Thanks Frederick, we have loved having these chickens. We live in an excellent neighborhood and have had no complaints about the chickens yet. We do try and give away extra eggs to everyone so they can enjoy them too. Thanks for stopping by!
@FrederickDunn9 жыл бұрын
SSLFamilyDad :)
@MrSwanley9 жыл бұрын
I think neighbors are seldom a problem: any doubts they have are soon solved by free eggs! And if not overpopulated their poo and scratching actually improves the garden (if the chooks are free to roam there). Of course neighbors may not appreciate a rooster so much, which is why I won't ever get one without their agreement: always good to keep them on board.
@chenderhan5 жыл бұрын
I had a few in a very urban environment. I can't even describe how great they were. It gives you such a deeper appreciation of where our food comes from. And they eat everything.
@renaissancemarinetv353610 жыл бұрын
we have had chickens for 6 months and honestly now cant imagine not having them.
@SSLFamilyDad10 жыл бұрын
It is strange to me sometimes that we have them out there but as you said I couldn't imagine living without them either! Thanks for watching!
@ranjobeliever5349 жыл бұрын
If you're happy with the small, white shells & bleached nearly white yokes...... Then having your own layers is a waste of time. Our eggs 'sit' up very high when cracked in the skillet and the yokes are very yellow (duck egg yokes much darker). The taste is the best and our grandkids love the 'sunny-side' up eggs! Micky D's serves bleached out antibiotic infused eggs, fresh eggs are out of this world!.
@amazonamz33869 жыл бұрын
+RanJo Believer ok show off
@ranjobeliever5349 жыл бұрын
+Amazon Amz >> No Sir.... Not trying to hurt anyones feelings, just want to share the joy of 'home-grown, backyard brown eggs'. We just put into service 25 Lacy White Wynadotte Layers we got from Stomberg's, in Minn. They are 6 mos old on Nov 1....... just starteed lay small brown eggs BUT, the frist two we cracked open we double yokers! Cooked next to an egg from one of my 3 YO layers, they were identical in overall size but TWO YOKES! Plus I know what they are fed and no crap goes into their diet, all organic.
@amazonamz33869 жыл бұрын
RanJo Believer your a beautiful soul
@ranjobeliever5349 жыл бұрын
If I Told My Wife, Right (Rat, South) Now That I Was Getting Rid Of Our Ladies..... She'd Leave me, With The Ladies! I also have a 'Turken' (Google That One) Which Has Got To Be The Ugliest But Sweetest Bird On The Planet. Only 2 brown eggs a week but very docile. Will sit on my lap, is not bothered by my 5 dogs or 6 cats. Grandkids love to walk up and be able to pet "Giblet".
@ranjobeliever5349 жыл бұрын
+Johan Horrell-Schmitz >>> My 'new girls' are now 6 and a half mos old...... getting about a dozen/day. That will pickup when the get another month or two on them.....My 'Turken' passed-away last Sunday???!! No marks or signs of stress, quite a mystery.
@sylviekins7 жыл бұрын
I love the sound of my neighbour's chickens-I find them soothing. Yours are really pretty!
@kittysusca9 жыл бұрын
LIve in Huntington,Long Island,NY.We just had to give our 18 chickens to another farm because the zoning changed here.But the children raised all 18 from tiny yellow fluff balls and they all had names,and a pecking order flock organization and produced enough eggs to feed 9 families every week. We will miss them from now on,but it was a great experience.Chickens are very smart and affectionate.We always wonder now what Ember and Butterscotch might be doing from time to time...We had them almost 4 years.When they left they were huge.They slept in the huge pine tree next to the house,because we never clipped their wings. Children came from all around the area to feed them and watch them roost,but eventually their parents didnt want them in the neighborhood anymore.WE feel lucky to have known them,and will forever treasure the experience.
@littlefarmer70135 жыл бұрын
I had no idea how affectionate chickens could be until I started socializing my mother's chicks. Now every single one will eat out of my hand and a few will ride on my shoulder throughout the house. Some of them get jealous if I show the others too much attention.
@nicholasjohnparry5 жыл бұрын
New York.. seems like that state is against anything American.
@ImaDjDiva8 жыл бұрын
Just for the Zen they create...totally worth it. I've had chickens for 8 years. My girls are getting old...but they still give us an egg each every day...except in the winter. When the days get short, they stop laying for several weeks. I let them out of their area on the weekends to roam the whole back yard... they fertilize the lawn and my trees (OH the LIMES!) and they are so super zen. They don't want to be touched, but they will come close and scratch when you go sit in the yard....they'll hang out a few feet away. And if you sing to them, they will sing back :)
@captrockcodak10948 жыл бұрын
Eggshells are actually good for the chickens because of the calcium
@white5_romeo5 жыл бұрын
Good for plants too
@mweber54594 жыл бұрын
And us too!
@lupask3 жыл бұрын
not really, they can learn to break their own eggs
@msosick99753 жыл бұрын
That doesn't sound right for some reason
@smoothtwh3 жыл бұрын
@@msosick9975 It's true!
@darrylvergonet30129 жыл бұрын
I love your videos. They are informative and easy to understand. I have 7 hens that are tame and lovely. We love their eggs and their personalities. Another think that I don't believe you mentioned is that when you clean out the coop the waste can go into the compost pile for use on your garden for great organic fertilizer. Again thank you for sharing your knowledge.
@terrifictuber10167 жыл бұрын
Our chickens are pets and produce eggs...we love them and are part of the family....love the video.
@donnakuhl24192 жыл бұрын
Chickens are my favorite animal forever..gave mine up after a tornado hit our house in October 2021...I got to visit their new home once.. they'll adapt..hurts my heart to live without them...
@joyfuljordan-girl52059 жыл бұрын
I live on a small farm and we have chickens, we have 3 roosters and multiple hens. although, we will mostly likely get about 20 more to raise and eat later (spring)(maybe) . One of our hens recently went broody and hatched out 4 chicks. I think your video is great. thanks for sharing, CHICKENS ARE DEFINENTLTLY WORTH IT!!!!!
@amazonamz33869 жыл бұрын
+ItsMeJordan ;D i saw a chicken cry the night before it was going to be slaughtered, maybe he knew maybe just maybe
@warlords87579 жыл бұрын
+Amazon Amz dumb ass
@joyfuljordan-girl52058 жыл бұрын
thank you!
@rickschulte85949 жыл бұрын
Thank you, i appreciate the encouragement, my niece and i are planning on having chickens, a novice i am, so it is good to hear of others such as you, who have leaped in and done this.Rick.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Good luck to you Rick, it is a lot of fun!
@hart7968 жыл бұрын
Very nice coop. I love the feeders and watering systems
@andersonfarmstead83085 жыл бұрын
Finally find someone on youtube that understands the plan God gave us. Ty you have a new sub for sure
@42lookc8 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. You did an *excellent* job on your coop. God Bless you, Brother, in everything that you do!
@dane6k69 жыл бұрын
Thanks for this update. My wife and I are soon to be moving into our future retirement home and property. One of the things we will want to do is grow and raise as much of our food as we can without making it a full time job. your auto feed and watering is just the thing we will use.
@Suss_S9 жыл бұрын
Great vid, I also own TWO chickens in a 'small' suburban backyard!! NOthing like fresh eggs and NO they definitely don't smell. cheers!
@jln53524 жыл бұрын
They realy don't smell? I pretend to have 3 in my apartment
@MegaAnonymousfreedom8 жыл бұрын
Gotten some chickens this year myself, 6 chicken too. 2-3 are just now laying. had chickens before. missed them... and still glad i have these now.
@fred44039 жыл бұрын
You've only cleaned the coop twice in six months? Wow. I clean mine every day. Why? Because poop is laden with moisture and moisture, coupled with cold weather, is the leading cause of frostbite. And you don't feed eggs back to your chooks? That is a huge source of protein. As a matter of fact, scramble a couple of eggs every days and give them back to the chooks. But before you scramble them, throw them in the blender whole and blend them up well. Then, when you feed them to your birds, not only are they getting plenty protein but they are getting plenty calcium. as well. That's a beautiful coop, you've done a good job on it and the food and water delivery systems. Great job and thanks for the video.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Thanks Robert! I have found that this winter we need to clean the coop more than in the summer so I will probably be cleaning it out about 3-4 times during the colder months. Since they spend most of the day in the coop it gets messy much quicker! We have also started feed feeding them some leftover cooked eggs as well but we still avoid feeding them chicken meat:) Thanks for sharing your experience!!
@samcokansas87049 жыл бұрын
Robert Giese Please? Nobody listen to Robert Giese advice. Do not ever feed chicken to chickens, Do not feed them dog food because it has chicken additives, Your chickens can get all the nutrients they need from scratch, Grains and your non-chicken table scraps. Lets not be stupid and start a mad-chicken disease. Some people down the street are doing what Robert is doing, And when it came time for me to buy 50 more chicks, I sure the heck didn't buy there's. Just because you can put transmission fluid in your power steering pump don't mean you should...
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Samco Kansas Great advice Samco, not a big fan of feeding chicken too the chickens either and we have plenty of other scraps for them anyway. Our dog loves the chicken though:)
@bobgiese6809 жыл бұрын
Samco Kansas Where above did I say I feed chicken meat to chickens? If you read that, please tell me where. Lots of people feed boiled eggs and egg shells to their chooks. Neither did I advocate feeding dog food to chooks. Where'd you get that? Scratch is not good, nutritious food for chickens. Feeding them scratch is akin to a person eating potato chips. You owe me an apology.
@williamcantdraw47397 жыл бұрын
Bob Giese sorry boss
@beanerschnitzel7946 жыл бұрын
I recently got my 2 baby chicks and we absolutely are crazy about them, we have 2 coops, one indoors one outdoors, they are pampered but soon will be outdoors full time unless it gets too cold, even though it doesn’t get too cold here, they are very smart and know their names. Buttercup and Gina Cochina can do no wrong in our eyes. 🐔
@JeffReese799 жыл бұрын
Thank you for taking the time to make this video!
@ChiaChey7 жыл бұрын
I've had chickens for four years now and like Matt Carrasquillo said when you're having a bad day going out to the run ( the outdoor pin) and watching and listening to then is very relaxing almost like when a cat sits on your lap and purrs. There's just something magical about their (quiet) sounds.
@kevinmccallister9 жыл бұрын
Great Video! I too have backyard chickens. I love them! They are a pleasure to watch and the eggs are great!
@GimlisMama4 жыл бұрын
I'm heading to a local suburban farm and garden expo next month. They will cover gardening, bee keeping and backyard chickens. I've wanted chickens for so long but thought it wouldn't work out. What a great video to come across today, thank you for sharing! I know my kids and I will love some chickens of our own!
@harrycurtis39349 жыл бұрын
I think having chickens is worth it... There's this guy on KZbin I found who makes videos of them and gives them voices, lol. Channel name is TheChickenWingman for those interested.
@SDCustoms9 жыл бұрын
Been raising chickens for about a year and a half now, and can conclude that what you put into it is 110% worth it! You make just enough money from eggs to break even, but the fun you have with the chickens makes you a fortune in happiness.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
W.Co.VIDS Agreed! Fresh eggs are definitely worth it and the chickens are truly a blessing.
@paulmcwhorter8 жыл бұрын
Tie that dog up, open that coop door, and let those chickens free range in your backyard. Egg quality will go to the next level if you let them free range in the backyard.
@SSLFamilyDad8 жыл бұрын
+Paul McWhorter they do free range quite often. Also use the chicken tractor sometimes
@rottymum98983 жыл бұрын
Train the dog, my hens free range with my dogs.
@BirdsBeesKC7 жыл бұрын
Worth it! I will never recoup money from the supplies ive purchased setting up. I do sell enough eggs to pay for their feed monthly. The chickens mainly eat our kitchen scraps, things that sat in the fridge to long for our comfort, cuttings from fruits and veggies and occasionally i find the coleslaw mix bags on sale for .50Cents. I buy them nice green leafy veggies in the winter and i even feed their eggs including shells (cooked) back to them. I no longer feel bad about wasting food because it feeds the chickens. I enjoy the project and daily care of keeping them. I have never had odor or neighbor issues. My neighbors were concerned about us having roosters which we have none. Their relaxing and its fun to sit outside and watch them mill around the yard among our cats and dog. We just went from 13 chickens to 5 because i sold several and downsized to save some money. I recently took a pay cut and my husband was unemployed for three months. We never worried about going hungry. We rented a chicken coop for almost a year while deciding if chickens were right for us. Now im sending back the rental and beginning to build my own coop. One thing i was surprised about is that even though we don't have a rooster that the hens can be pretty loud themselves.
@clecount19 жыл бұрын
Your dog looks really healthy great job
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Thanks Chad, Although sometimes annoyingly hyper she is loved by the family that is or sure.
@royfindon84119 жыл бұрын
Hiya, I have thought about buying chickens now for some time and after watching your clip it's made my mind up for me, I live in the UK, and was concerned about the winter months, but after watching your clip, speaking to a breeder, we are gonna go ahead. Thanks Roy
@dpaquet07 жыл бұрын
They are also a nice prevision to have as a precautionary food source for events such as economic collapse.
@mygirldarby6 жыл бұрын
LOL. Yeah, if there is economic collapse, you're going to need a lot more than a half a dozen chickens.
@SplendaChic5 жыл бұрын
I'd rather have a half dozen chickens laying a half dozen eggs per day. I will not have meat birds, ever!
@285runt4 жыл бұрын
Like now, March 31, 2020.
@nonadanon7 жыл бұрын
Chickens are a must and truly, they are our partners. We provide them with food and shelter and they give us eggs and entertainment! We, my mother and I, share the work. I keep them, free range on my 1 acre lot in the summer and my parents built a chicken condo where, the chickens spend the winter in an insulated coop. Its the best of both worlds. We renew our flock by hatching just a few eggs in the spring and keeping the hens while donating the cockerels. Sustainable and easily possible. Love your video!
@JesusFan5 жыл бұрын
Very nice video, not often you hear about how awesome God's creation is and how perfect it all works together :D God Bless and keep up the great work!
@chrismugleston86255 жыл бұрын
McProseph Gaming God bless you. Did God put self sustainability on your mind, as well?
@johnguilford62308 жыл бұрын
This our first year raising chickens so thanks for all your good ideas
@neesiedavis40628 жыл бұрын
My Mom puts the egg shells in the food processor and grinds them up and puts them in the chicken feed. I guess it gives them back some calcium.
@SSLFamilyDad8 жыл бұрын
+Neesie Davis that is a great idea!
@neesiedavis40628 жыл бұрын
She lets them air-dry first...forgot to tell you that. :o)
@rhastaman19606 жыл бұрын
The old folks tell me that you should bake the shells to kill bacteria and makes them so the chickens don't start eating the eggs after they're laid.
@JoonPo7 жыл бұрын
Love raising chicks, hens and bunch of roosters. We love fresh egg and fresh meat for our big family. We got lots of video on this and we are new at this backyard chicken raising. Our first time was in May 2016 and now we hatched our own chicks too ! We do what feel naturally and what work for our kids and us in taking care of our small flock. Thanks for sharing. Yes it is worth it to live off the land !
@JERRYR7087 жыл бұрын
My mother has about 8 cats and are very expensive with food, climbers, toys, and vet bills, they even took over her enclosed patio and the list goes on. Unlike my chickens which give me food in return, compost for my garden, teach me about farming, and some of them follow me around the yard and sit in my lap more than mom's cats ever did. By raising chickens, it teaches us what God intended for us to do. I have had chickens now for about 7 months and now I'm hooked and want to raise more. I like all the different varieties and personalities of each one. They add life and excitement to my back yard. I look forward every morning before and after work to be greeted by my chickens running up to me for treats and love.
@JoonPo7 жыл бұрын
JERRYR708 7 months that is about the same time for us..well said...totally agreed with you...check out my new video that I just upload yesterday about hatching your own egg to add to my flock
@phoebeyoder26788 жыл бұрын
This video is so helpful! Thank you!🐔😊
@onekittyhawk638 жыл бұрын
I really like your feeding and watering system. It's a great way to keep them clean from the chicken droppings. You also did a nice job on your pen (coop). I had chickens when I was a young teenager out in the country in Ohio. I also had 200 rabbits breeding. Here in Redding, CA one has to make sure there is plenty of water and shade. It gets really hot here. I saw it once get up to 123 degrees in my back yard. Generally it is in the low 100s here in the hotter part of summer.
@melody_9099 жыл бұрын
That is a gorgeous coop 😍 and adorable chickens 😀
@mybollywoodmusicmybollywoo69107 жыл бұрын
xoMelodyox axxx
@peaceatferngully83694 жыл бұрын
Just got our Coupe very informational thanks for taking the time to share
@AliMohammed-ek8zb9 жыл бұрын
Nice coop and beautiful doge and I'm wondering if the chickens and the doge are getting along? Do they irritate him or vice versa? Can they both be outside in the yard? Did you train him at all to be around chickens? Thanks in for sharing your experience with us.
@gueraslife24726 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the video. We built chicken coop last year. We love our chickens and family and friends buy the eggs.
@Coolman-we7ye9 жыл бұрын
I have 4 pet chickens I found them in my backyard well my grandpas backyard and I feed them we don't have a chicken coop so they roam freely so we have to keep them in the backyard cause my grandpa lives super close to train tracks the road and a lot of people and there's a lot of cars near my grandpas house and I have tamed them I can now hold them and pet them I love My pet chickens 🐓🐓🐓🐓
@kathythompson27859 жыл бұрын
Thanks for taking the time out to make this video. I have been teetering back and forth about getting our own chickens. We are in a rural subdivision population 1,200. But we because we are in a subdivision with a small backyard I can't decide if it would be the best thing. But after watching your video I have decided that for us it may be worth it, especially with the egg & chicken shortage and prices going up. Thank you again.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
+Kathy Thompson Egg prices have almost doubles since we started with these chickens so I can say that it makes even more financial sense now then it did when we dove in. WE still love our chickens and they have become a part of our lifestyle here. Good luck if you decide to get it a try and please let us know if we can help in any way
@gbirkman19 жыл бұрын
Really well done videos and great advise! We are thinking about getting some chickens and you answered all my questions. Love the Bible passages also! :) Thanks!
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Excellent! Glad I could help! Thanks for checking it out!
@TheRealHousewifeOfPG8 жыл бұрын
Thank you so much. This video is wonderful as well as the one with your wife speaking. My family is having a garden "installed" next month and we're also strongly considering raising about 6-10 chickens and a bee hive later. My husband's initial ideas were the same as yours and he seems to be very open at this point. Much success to you and your lovely family.
@SSLFamilyDad8 жыл бұрын
+Kim Carrington thank you for the kind words and I hope that this info helped you in your decision! Good luck with your garden and hopefully chickens!
@michaelpaliden66607 жыл бұрын
I like the pugi puppy Chickens can eat a lot foods even molded they have strong scavenging digestive tracts.
@rajbeekie71247 жыл бұрын
The vast majority of people who have backyard chickens do not measure the worth solely by the dollar. The value comes from taking care of the chickens, experiencing the joy of watching them grow, observing the peculiarities as they feed and scratch the grass, etc. The eggs may end up costing $1. an egg, but it is all worth it. When we add in labor cost (what is one's labor worth per hour?), cost of grain, the pen, etc. it becomes even more expensive, but it is still worth it.
@yellowsellerco9 жыл бұрын
Could be great to have a tour at this very nice chicken coop.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Sergio W. Baptista Thanks! I have many videos of the coop but not a "tour" so to speak. I will put something together this spring, thanks for checking it out!
@conflectiz4 жыл бұрын
This has definitely encouraged me to get going on having chickens. Been thinking about it for a year, and this video drove the idea home for me. Thank you. Gonna start prepping.
@scubaguy54559 жыл бұрын
Do you have plans for this coop? Would really like to build one.
@elliemathews68849 жыл бұрын
I live in the city and I absolutely love having chickens. I only have four but I am hooked.
@rickbrown85857 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the Christ-centered passage at the end of the video. Thank you for recognizing God's brilliance in the order of creation. I enjoy your videos.
@noetobar50185 жыл бұрын
This is what i needed, that push to harvest our own eggs with the family, Thank you!
@iriyabran8 жыл бұрын
Homegrown is always the best, the stuff from the store doesn't come close and it's pumped with crap and also they treat the animals thousand times worse.
@SSLFamilyDad8 жыл бұрын
+iriyabran agreed!
@scotthibbs6 жыл бұрын
I thought so too. After visiting the local egg producer, it was made clear over and over that an unhappy, unhealthy chicken doesn't lay an egg. They were most concerned for the health and care of the hens and try different living conditions to keep them happy and healthy.
@ashleybaker2444 жыл бұрын
We just got 6 straight run chicks this past Saturday. Sadly one died in less than 24hrs. But the other 5 are doing great. The property we live one has a few “pens” that our landlord had kept goats in. I plan on converting one or 2 into a coop for the chickens. I still want more chicks but this is our first time. I love listening to the chicks 😍
@jimmackay33926 жыл бұрын
Love my girls. Free range them. Keep my farm pest(ticks) free. Even had them kill and eat mice. Give me eggs every day and are sweet and loving pets as well.
@portaadonai7 жыл бұрын
I have a garden, so the scraps and weeds from my garden are given to the chickens and turn into eggs. I also use the chickens to de-weed my garden in the winter, or prepare other areas for planting by making it their coop. The chickens help compost my piles, and give me free fertilizer.
@lusnorthernhome34109 жыл бұрын
Put some sand or extra dirt in the pen occasionally they like dirt baths to keep the lice at bay.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
I was just commenting to my wife on that the other day. We put play sand in the run and they bury themselves in it when it is warm
@lusnorthernhome34109 жыл бұрын
yeah they like their dirt bathes
@warlords87579 жыл бұрын
Use wood chipings instead of hay to help keep live at bay
@warlords87579 жыл бұрын
+Warlords87 lice
@lusnorthernhome34109 жыл бұрын
yes lice it is common , especially if wild birds come in contact with them they can also get grass fleas just like a cat or dog. check into it.
@MoHomesteading5 жыл бұрын
I think it's about the husbandry of it all.. the one thing people do is get addicted to having them. I had to try really hard not to get more.. 8 is plenty for us! Thank you for sharing this!
@terrencegibbons33514 жыл бұрын
It’s worth it when the grocery stores limit us to one dozen eggs. I feel like I’m living in communist cuba
@sarahdavis34043 жыл бұрын
No way! Where do you live?
@Chinas016 жыл бұрын
I purchased 5 chicks they are about 5 weeks now which they have grown alot can't wait for them to be fully grown..
@contreeman10 жыл бұрын
great video brother. GOD BLESS
@SSLFamilyDad10 жыл бұрын
Thanks! Sorry for the wind noise and thanks for watching!
@mcfleckcmcf9 жыл бұрын
Thank you! I have learned much here, stolen some(most) of your coop designs, and have been very encouraged to take my family on this adventure. Our 4x4 coop and 8x12 covered pen is from 90% reclaimed lumber and hardware. As a humble family of 7 with one income and a severely handicapped 5 yr old, this was no small venture! Our build will be done on Thursday and the new "flock" arrives on Friday morning. We are still not sure why God has helped us build this chicken coop, but we are used to waiting on Him for answers. I just thought you should know how He used used you as an encouraging Brother to reassure and teach us. Thanks man! Keep on doing what you are doing He is using you!
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Mick Fleck Wow, that was very encouraging and meant a whole lot to my wife and I, thank you! I am so glad you have put in the hard work and got your coop ready. You are going to be very happy with your decision and once the eggs start rolling in it will all be worth it. I those silly chickens bring a smile to your 5 yr old's face. God bless you and your family
@beatrizvazquez24248 жыл бұрын
they are worth it
@Ducktoysarefun5 жыл бұрын
Same as everyone else. Chickens have now become part of the family. It is no longer about trying to be selfreliant on eggs or make a little $. They are soooo funny. Each have their own personality. They get so excited and happy when they hear my voice or see me coming. They want to Pet and they always expect treats hahaha. They are amazing and just a bundle of Joy.
@jenoakes87669 жыл бұрын
Chickens are worth it
@mtproductions80445 жыл бұрын
Love it bro.... I raise chickens every year. Around this time in December I order baby chicks and keep them in a brooder in my garage. When it starts to warm up and they get their feathers I put them out in the big coop I built. It has a concrete floor that is sloped and I drilled holes so that I can power wash the whole thing and it all goes out which is backed up to a canal so it goes down and no smell... but the coop is frames like a house and it is 6 feet wide and 25 feet long with 8 foot walls..... my chickens love it
@jokeybob5 жыл бұрын
The title had me looking forward to a dollar break down of the costs to benefits. Too bad it's just a "do it" video.
@johnmoyer55154 жыл бұрын
I Gives me something to look forward to everyday i come home from work. Another thing to do instead of watch tv, gave it up at least 2 yrs ago.
@omarraymundo33698 жыл бұрын
Awesome video brother ! 👍😃
@katherineminasian57739 жыл бұрын
We have Chickens we love them they been a blessing to our family. Thank you for sharing.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Katherine Minasian No problem, ours have been hard workers this winter keep us stocked with eggs. Thanks for watching!
@l3oogle9 жыл бұрын
What happens when the hens stop producing? I'm a meat eater, but I can't slaughter my own pet chicken nor could I give them away to someone who will.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
+Sam A That is a battle that I am having with my wife and kids as well:) The ideal thing to do is to take them to be slaughtered after about 2-3 years. However, they should continue to lay eggs until about 3-4 years although not as much as they did in the beginning. So if you do want to eat your pets, you can just keep them until they pass on naturally. Life expectancy of the breed I have is 4-5 years
@l3oogle9 жыл бұрын
+SSLFamilyDad I guess I'll let them pass naturally. If they fed me with eggs for all those years, there is no reason to repay them with death and eat them. I think of them as pets first, the eggs are an added bonus :)
@GeorgiaJCP9 жыл бұрын
+SSLFamilyDad I also eat chicken, but I could never kill my pet ones. I mean, when the have been giving me breakfast for the past 5 years and I've named them it would be so hard to. But then again I have a pretty big farm and I have room for about 50 chickens, so really its not a problem for me.
@DustyDreamer9 жыл бұрын
+Sam A I will keep ours until the pass naturally. We are thinking of moving to the country in the next few years so when we finally can get them in our town, we will keep them as pets and maybe move by then so we can add to the flock.
@stormy-54329 жыл бұрын
I have chickens and I think of it as a responsibility. If I can't slaughter and eat my chickens then why should I be allowed to own them? If your not strong enough to eat your chickens then I personally would not own them. But if the chicken you own is a "pet" than of course your not going to eat them!!! Don't eat your pets!
@AndrewLale8 жыл бұрын
We love our chickens. The entertainment and joy they give us is totally worth it.
@mastte29 жыл бұрын
Two hands working can do more than a thousand clasped in prayer
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Very clever Mastte2 however I personally live more closer to this verse:) - I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me (with my two hands working). Philippians 4:13. Thanks for stopping by!
@tfr8s446 жыл бұрын
Mastte2 it only takes the faith of a mustard seed in prayer to do more work than a thousand hands at work ever could!
@Pbs-xs4xk5 жыл бұрын
Amen brother!!!! Preach
@Pbs-xs4xk5 жыл бұрын
Tammy Freitas yes,Tammy!!
@meetmrandmrsrobinson7 жыл бұрын
This video was recommended to me. I enjoyed watching. I have 2 silkies and I live in a motorhome traveling. Right now my chickens are 8 weeks old. People think I am crazy for having them in a Rv. But we are enjoying watching them grow and are thinking about getting 1 more different breed. But we choose the silkies because they are small and cute.
@SSLFamilyDad7 жыл бұрын
+Meet These Robinson's that is so cool that you travel with them! Good luck with your little flock and be sure to stop and let them get their land legs from time to time:)
@meetmrandmrsrobinson7 жыл бұрын
SSLFamilyDad yes we just got our chickens 3 weeks ago. Today we bought chicken harness so I can walk them soon. I just worry about them picking up diseases. Since we can't control the environment. We are adding 2 quail soon too. We are actually posting a video soon about our chickens. Do have a question. When do I start adding oysters mix? They got their temp nesting box yesterday, which they are liking.
@DustinDean7 жыл бұрын
rhode island reds are my favorite. we raise over 50 chickens right now on our homestead. we have done a few videos on them. if you would like to check out our channel. you may find it interesting
@meetmrandmrsrobinson7 жыл бұрын
Dustin Dean I think rhode reds may be a bit too big for the Rv. But I am not sure when to start my chicks on the crushed oysters?
@DustinDean7 жыл бұрын
Meet These Robinson's mix it in with your feed
@portoutstarboardhome9 жыл бұрын
hi nice videos and watched and enjoyed overseas ... UK and europe. To comment on one part of your video regarding checking to see if you are permitted or not... With specific regard to UK law, permission does not have to be sought to keep hens and rabbits regardless of any tenancy agreement. If cocks or cockerels, (a cockerel is specifically defined as a young cock under 1 yr in UK), are kept then there may be grounds to have them done away with on grounds of noise pollution if complaints are received. It is my experience that in my conversations with allotment holders and other rented house holders who want to keep chickens but are told the can't, are unaware of their statutory rights, and can. The relevant legislation is Section.12 of the 1950 Allotments Act.: "(1) Notwithstanding any provision to the contrary in any lease or tenancy or in any covenant, contract or undertaking relating to the use to be made of any land, it shall be lawful for the occupier of any land to keep, otherwise than by way of trade or business, hens or rabbits in any place on the land and to erect or place and maintain such buildings or structures on the land as reasonably necessary for that purpose: Provided that nothing in this subsection shall authorise any hens or rabbits to be kept in such a place or in such a manner as to be prejudicial to health or a nuisance or affect the operation of any enactment." Sections 1 to 11 are specifically headed "Allotment" but S.12 headed: "abolition of contractual restrictions on keeping hens and rabbits". and specifically states "any land". Laying aside all the legal mumbo-jumbo providing no other Parliamentary Act is contravened i.e. animal welfare, health and safety or noise pollution S.12 of this act over rides any contractual agreement that prohibits hens.(or rabbits) on any rented property. As for noise pollution; neighbours have to give due tolerance at such a low dB level. Keep them without cruelty, clean, healthy, well housed and fed and none can stop you. It is your right by Act of Parliament. (for readers outside the UK... 'Allotments' are strips of arable land, cheaply rented to the people, for the production of non commercial fruit and vegetables, generally in urban areas. They came about to pacify the poor when common land, the commons, was inclosed by the plutocrats and the poor were herded into cities as industrial wage slaves. It is interesting to correlate that mass emigration peaks to the USA occurred during the high points of land inclosure between 1604 and 1914 when nearly 7 million acres, (11,000 sq miles) was lost by the people to the few on this small island.)
@TheTruth23rd4 жыл бұрын
Your lab is so calm. Mine is up the walls even after playing fetch for 45min. She’s a bundle of energy. My other dog gets tired and lays down and watches after like 25min.
@Jaxen908418 жыл бұрын
My wife wanted to start growing her own hens about 4 years ago. It is definitely NOT worth it financially. We are up to about 110 hens and about 40 eggs per day. I have built 3 coops, the largest of which is 8 foot by 32 foot. It has 2 by 6 walls, double insulated Pella windows and a $2,700 pellet stove for our cold New York winter nights. One hen was hiding under another coop tonight and I had to crawl under, on the frozen ground to go get her. What a bitch. HOWEVER, my wife of 35 years could not be pried away from her chickens now. Think she likes them more than me lately. She'll be getting more in the spring.
@Jaxen908418 жыл бұрын
My wife started with 12 back in February 2012. The next month, she bought another 24. She has increased her number every year since. She doesn't breed them. Most of them came from a farm in Ohio, two states away. they get here priority USPS. That way you have more of a guarantee at getting just hens. I say she's gone off the deep end with them, but I end up helping her with the chores every morning before we go to work. Between the harvest in the morning and the evening, she gathers about 40 eggs each day. Since some of them are now 4 years old, their production has gone down. Since they don't sign the eggs, you can't tell exactly who is still producing and who has gone into retirement. Our upstate New York back yard was 5° below zero this morning and it was 54° inside the coop. Some days, it does seem like overkill, but you just have to crack open the insulated windows a bit. That wasn't the case this morning. These are probably very expensive eggs if I tried to divide their value into all I've put into the coops. Cost doesn't seem to bother her.
@samanthadobler71848 жыл бұрын
+Scott9084 Chickens- if unhappy (like being too many in the coop) are less likely to lay eggs- culling the herd down, may increase the productivity. - you can look this info up to verify :)
@chlupl7 жыл бұрын
They can either be a profitable hobby or an expensive hobby... it's how you handle it.
@amereus17 жыл бұрын
110 hens. Yikes. My family only has 2 hens that lay eggs daily. It's a bit much to maintain. I can't imagine 110 hens. Maybe you guys should give away a few hens. IJS.
@jefferyrbrown6 жыл бұрын
uh...The financial aspect of building chicken coops like they are buildings for people is kinda dumb. If you're doing it because you like to build chicken mansions, that's fine but it's not a necessary part of having chickens. I build homes...large homes...professionally and I just don't see the point of spending 5K or more on a chicken coop for "backyard chickens"
@bigbear45226 жыл бұрын
My wife came home with 4 baby chicks...We haven't built a chicken coop yet. I have to say I was a bit reserved and not sure I wanted them...But like you said they don't smell or make noise. Not to mention the are pretty cute as babies. Great video.
@TheRandomers9 жыл бұрын
buy a shark not chickens
@user-jq1if7ue1e7 жыл бұрын
Broc Theil I think I found a kid. Hint: It's you, I can tell just by your first comment
@RedfishCarolina6 жыл бұрын
I did the pet shark thing but the frikkin lasers got a bit tiring.
@laurak29875 жыл бұрын
We are getting ready to move to So. Arizona to a house on 16 acres. .My sister lives there and already has chickens. We plan on it and I can't wait !!! I have to read up on how to keep them safe. Between hawks, rattle snakes, Ravens ( who will steal the eggs if you don't watch out) they need some protection. Can't wait to set everything up and you gave me great ideas with feeding and watering systems.... God Bless you and thanks for this video !
@AmericanConstellation6 жыл бұрын
I've had them in the back yard of years. They are a lot of fun to have...and they do eat up all the yard and grass clippings and kitchen waste...I even bring home crushed shells from the beach and throw it in...They eat it too!
@TMan47759 жыл бұрын
Awesome video. Yes people need to check for local laws in keeping hens. Where I am at the city passed the law so 300 of us can have backyard chickens, this is a 2 year pilot program and if it turns out good, the city should open it up to the rest of the county.
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
Tom Taylor I have heard about a lot of cities doing things like that all over the country. That is good news for those of us who like to supply some of our own food! Thanks Tom.
@07blackdog4 жыл бұрын
We just built that set up from your plans . We bought 6 Rhode Island Red chicks from our local farm supply a week ago. Pretty cool.
@cocoabutter19247 жыл бұрын
Its MORE than just worth it. I remember having just 4 hens and 1 rooster and it grew into 10 hens and 2 roosters. Went every morning to check if I had eggs in the coop for breakfast. Once they grew old my dad would make them into soup (don't get pissy with me petards) But raising them was a true experience to have.
@reynux9 жыл бұрын
We are so happy about our chickens as well, we can only have 3 chickens per city regulations. Loved your video!
@SSLFamilyDad9 жыл бұрын
That isn't so bad of a rule I suppose for being in the city limits. 3 would have been plenty for us in hind sight but TSC would only let us buy a minimum or 6! So six eggs a day just means we share with our neighbors more often!