Anyone have chickens?

[motherofdoodles]

We are thinking of changing our kids old playhouse into a coop. We do have dogs but have the space for a large enclosed run. We would love to rescue some hens and give them a good life (while enjoying some eggs!) Can you tell me about the time commitment needed? Also, what a on earth do you do when you go on holidays?

Yep, we keep 4 chickens and some Indian runner ducks. Chickens are the easiest. They take 15 mins to clean out at the weekend. My advice would be to invest in your set up and get it right.
We splurged on a plastic coop and attached run so that's its easy to clean and the birds always have access to their run. This saves us getting up early to let them out every morning and they put themselves to bed.Its a case of popping down and collecting eggs daily which takes minutes. If we go away for 2 nights, they stay at home - any longer and we take them to chicken boarding!

Off to google local chicken boarding! Sounds great, very doable- thank you

Chickens take little time. I poo pick the coop daily and them do a full clear out at the weekends.
We have an automatic coop door so if we go away we have someone come in daily to check food, water and collect the eggs. You'll easily find someone local who will be willing to do this for free is you let them keep the eggs they collect.

I never advise beginners take on rescue hens though. Many have/develop health problems that beginners just aren't able to deal with or don't pick up on. They are prone to prolapse, vitamin deficiency, osteoporosis and various other issues. They are being got rid of because they are at the end of their egg laying, eggs may be very sporadic and I've had rescues that have never laid for me. There are lots of pure breeds with dwindling numbers so consider these. If you so decide to get rescue hens please do full research first to ensure you are prepared for any issues they have.

Many vets won't deal with chickens and if they do more complex issues will need a poultry vet so prior to getting looks into whether your vet will deal with them and find a poultry vet.

Chickens are fantastic little creatures and will bring such joy to your life.

Thanks all! Must admit, the potential health issues of rescue ladies for a novice did cross my mind. Lots of sound advice here, thank you!