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Mumsnet does not check the qualifications of anyone posting here. If you're worried about the health of your chickens, please speak to a vet or qualified professional.
How much time to do spend with your chickens?
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slipperandpjsmum · 23/01/2011 20:29
I was wondering how much time people feels it takes to look after chickens, taking everything into account. Thanks
brambleschooks · 23/01/2011 20:39
It depends if y mean th clean out, which is half an hour a week at most,or the general staring at, admiring and playing with, which could go on for ages!
slipperandpjsmum · 23/01/2011 20:50
The general care. Admiring and playing with not included :)
frozenfestiveflo · 23/01/2011 21:21
I'd say no more than 10 minutes a day doing actual care plus the weekly clean but oh so many hours just watching
wyorksmum · 23/01/2011 22:29
30 min clean and move hen house on a sat/sun. Then 5 m a day to put clean water and check food. Also need door opening every morning and closing at night. Could become a chore but kids love doing it. Also kids love letting them out and having two crazy hens flying/running behind them all over the garden. It's very satisfying. Would say it's best pet we've ever had. Very low maintenance really.
Guitargirl · 23/01/2011 22:31
What a lovely thread, this has cheered me up! 
brambleschooks · 23/01/2011 22:49
I didn't add cuddling of and giggling at.
My Sheila escapes the run and stares at me through the back door wanting food. She's the chicken equivalent of a wire-haired terrier. I totally heart her.
ChickensFlyingUnderTheRadar · 23/01/2011 22:52
I spend probably 10-20 mins a day on basic care, and then a half hour at the weekend to do health checks/main clean out. Hours and hours observing, though.
Punkatheart · 24/01/2011 08:08
I clean out every day - although I know that people don't always. So about 15/20 minutes. The chickens probably could look after themselves but I spend a bit of time in the garden watching them dustbathe, hearing them chirrup/purr/bok-bok. Then there is the cuddling I want for my own gratification - then the finding of worms when we are gardening together...not to mention the show how cute my chickens are to friends...
What was the question again?
wyorksmum · 24/01/2011 08:28
I know. Ours love to have a dust bath in the dry soil under the hedge and forrage for worms. Nothing better to lift the spirits than watching them argue over a juicy worm or slug! Never leave them unattended when out of run ( well there was one occasion when I forgot about them for an hour - I was having 1-1 time with my 4 yr old and playing a game!) when I finally leapt off the settee they were walking back down the road towards the house and ran to greet me!
ilovemyhens · 24/01/2011 14:08
About 15 minutes a day for feeding and general cleanliness.
Perhaps about another 15 minutes chasing them around, being chased by them, removing them from the kitchen/hall, sneaking past them to get to my car, talking to them and worrying about them 
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