Maybe rent some chickens? www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnb... - ThreadSky

tribelaw.bsky.social • 8 days ago

Maybe rent some chickens?
https://www.msnbc.com/opinion/msnbc-opinion/egg-prices-trump-agriculture-truth-backyard-chickens-rcna195859

Comments

extendedmetaphor.bsky.social•8 days ago

They require TLC. Best if you just consider them as pets (they all have their idiosyncrasies) that happen to lay eggs.

radtek58.bsky.social•8 days ago

The feed has gone up so much over the last year that it's debatable whether it's worth it.

consensus-reality.bsky.social•8 days ago

Sometimes.. vegetarians just wonder why y’all are eating embryo’s in the first place?

midnightravens.bsky.social•7 days ago

Suggest you all look at the price of chicken feed before you venture down that feathery path

somethinghumble.bsky.social•7 days ago

Maybe stop giving the neo-nazi republicans your money every single day of your life?

carolwm.bsky.social•7 days ago

Home flocks can get the virus from other animals/birds so there's that danger, too.

pattys06.bsky.social•8 days ago

Much easier and healthier to just give them up

terg.bsky.social•8 days ago

Ok, so I've seen data that suggests otherwise. At least on eating several eggs a week.

pattys06.bsky.social•8 days ago

Check who financed the data

josette1.bsky.social•8 days ago

Chickens can be such great pets.This is not an inexpensive endeavor. Im actually going to bring it up to my neighbors as a group project, you can get constant eggs from a small flock. It’s also fun, a dear friend has chickens & they just get so excited when they see her, small bits of joy daily.

horseshoesue.bsky.social•7 days ago

Or it’s their evil plan to kill us all with bird flu!

horseshoesue.bsky.social•7 days ago

I had chickens. I live in the country. This is what I have been saying! Not a “throw them in the backyard and let them run around” kind of animal. So many things to consider before getting chickens.

akatkat.bsky.social•8 days ago

😅. Or set up some kind of barter with your favorite farmer. Like I could do free bookkeeping for a year if I get a dozen eggs a week and a side of beef for the freezer.

wdgnw.bsky.social•8 days ago

The chickens are cheap, it’s the feed that they get you on, like ink jet printers.

hanni68.bsky.social•8 days ago

Limit feed when you keep flock indoors and find birds that are good at foraging otherwise.

sburr741600.bsky.social•7 days ago

gbaker1.bsky.social•7 days ago

I love chickens. I eat eggs but haven't eaten poultry in decades. Still, they sometimes get sick and sometimes attacked by creatures. Takes a strong person to raise them like pets

bluewavesforever.bsky.social•8 days ago

raising chickens should be thought of as a fun hobby, absolutely not a way to save money🥚🐣🐤🐔🥚

dc-757.bsky.social•8 days ago

HOAs love it when you raise chickens

beaglemom2024.bsky.social•8 days ago

Lots of work and $$. But I loved walking from the coop with a fresh warm egg. Sweetest thing in the world.

shadygirl.bsky.social•7 days ago

I prefer them to most humans.
They're much smarter.

thejaderaven.bsky.social•7 days ago

They have more empathy than many humans. Always check on me when I'm sad or tired.

shadygirl.bsky.social•7 days ago

That is so sweet.
They are so smart.

hoovermy.bsky.social•7 days ago

When my niece was in her teens, she was active in 4H. We went to a few of their events and exhibitions. The chickens were quite beautiful with their multicolored plumage. Farms that are smaller, organic and concerned about their birds’ health, keeps away human visitors and birds inside.

edolfkissesputin.bsky.social•8 days ago

Congressional republicans will eventually tell citizens how great crow eggs are to eat

warbirdblue.bsky.social•8 days ago

I am NOT raising chickens in my yard. My HOA would take me to court!

alicialou.bsky.social•8 days ago

With chickens come snakes, mice, rats, fox. Lots of work and money to take care of properly and feed. The first, and only, time I ever entered a chicken coop I almost puked 🤢 from the smell.

ronsam2.bsky.social•8 days ago

Good luck keeping chickens it's expensive

vcrsamurai.bsky.social•8 days ago

So is having pet dogs and cats but people rationalize 2, 5, even $10k+ for emergency vet bills every year anyway. At least a chicken eats my food scraps and provides me food in return.

ronsam2.bsky.social•7 days ago

Well, they are "eating the cats and dogs" so..

mallemok1.bsky.social•7 days ago

When I was 10, chickens were the only folks that would listen to my problems.

okay7.bsky.social•8 days ago

They’re fun.

terg.bsky.social•8 days ago

Especially, if you fall in love with them as pets and don't eat them. I hear they're wonderful creatures.

lorrinm.bsky.social•8 days ago

Are people not aware that bird flu is the reason eggs are so expensive, and that backyard flocks are at high risk?

wildflower-farm.bsky.social•7 days ago

Yep. Chicken keeper here. Very aware & concerned. Also, taking steps to prevent the risks to my birds.

sunray1.bsky.social•8 days ago

I was thinking the same thing about the bird flu virus. Also, I live in a 4 season area. It’s below zero in the winter. It would cost to keep the chickens warm.🙂

russellmark.bsky.social•7 days ago

Hmm, I’m very skeptical. Never has bird flu come from backyard hens.

sunray1.bsky.social•7 days ago

Research from the University of Minnesota and the CDC states commercial and backyard chickens can get the bird flu (Avian flu). The backyard chickens can get it from wild birds, water, and humans . There have been cases.

russellmark.bsky.social•7 days ago

There have been no confirmed deaths from bird flu in the United States in the recent outbreaks.

russellmark.bsky.social•7 days ago

What scientist said this?

sifunick.bsky.social•7 days ago

Ag Secretary Rollins' stupid solution to a real problem. Most people don't live where they can have chickens. And chickens are a bit of work to take care of, if you have the time. How about solving the bird flu problem, asap?

kparent.bsky.social•8 days ago

I used to have chicken they were so much fun to watch. There is nothing better than fresh eggs.

browwiw.bsky.social•8 days ago

Why am I the only old codger that remembers people going nuts for backyard gardening and chicken coups at the outset of the 2007 recession? That the regime is already trying to sane-wash the idea is a bad sign.

terg.bsky.social•8 days ago

It's a good idea but wrong messenger.

browwiw.bsky.social•8 days ago

The gardens and chickens were cost effective, back then, either. They gave a lot of people comfort and a hobby, tho. I think the homesteader movement really got a growth spurt out of that era.

browwiw.bsky.social•8 days ago

Not cost effective, rather. I am high and there is no edit function and I consider that a form of emotional violence.

terg.bsky.social•8 days ago

I'd love to have them. They can live up to 10 years. And I wouldn't have the heart to eat them. But gardening can be cheaper and can be done in containers. People all over the world garden even with apartments.

formerrepub.bsky.social•8 days ago

I had chickens for years it's not just get them & let them lay! They need fed & clean water everyday. Weekly I cleaned all of the weeks shavings out of the hen house. They must be contained in a secure structure at night to prevent predators killing them.Monthly I added probiotics to their water. 🧵

formerrepub.bsky.social•8 days ago

In the winter they do not lay for a period of time but they still must be cared for.I had a heat lamp in their coop in the winter(electric bill)and a water bowl deicer. Believe me I LOVED the fresh eggs but even at $10 a dozen it's almost cheaper to pay that then raise your own.

jmellob.bsky.social•8 days ago

These chickens are illegal immigrants, Trump the orange, go deport them to the White House dinner!!!!!

catcresswell.bsky.social•8 days ago

Sometimes, they let you hug them!

cock.beauty•7 days ago

cute photo!

catcresswell.bsky.social•7 days ago

Thanks!

djhbol.bsky.social•8 days ago

Chickens aren’t allowed where I live. No livestock is.

dk1131.bsky.social•8 days ago

Having your own chickens 🐔 is like having a hobby. You do it because you have a passion for it and don't mind the down side. Not for everybody.

wescarr.bsky.social•7 days ago

yep. thing is, you never know you like the hobby unless you try it, and it’s not exactly easy to get up and running. (saying this on my year anniversary in the game)

dk1131.bsky.social•7 days ago

I'll stick with my three Budgies.

midnightfloof-1.bsky.social•8 days ago

They are all so cute! 😍😍

happilyblue1031.bsky.social•7 days ago

Seems like a lot of work with very little reward.

(Don't ever google chicken laying an egg.)

rollwithit54.bsky.social•7 days ago

Living with paraplegia means daily challenges. I'm raising funds for an enclosed mobility scooter to boost my independence and improve my quality of life. Every donation truly matters. Your support means the world to me. More details on my GoFundMe. Donating or sharing is great. https://gofund.me/0af928df

sylvesterskycat.bsky.social•8 days ago

Economy of scale is a thing.

jrwilk.bsky.social•8 days ago

Seems like a good strategy for spreading H5N1.

doesnotcare.lol•8 days ago

That’s what I was thinking.

rixster.bsky.social•8 days ago

Look, I’m no scientist, but I’m fairly certain bird flu doesn’t discern between homegrown and farmed chooks.

russellmark.bsky.social•7 days ago

I read backyard hens because they live in nature develop immunity, and are far healthier anyway.

visiblemusic.bsky.social•8 days ago

$299/mo lease to own. A new Tesla Chicken

beechbumm1.bsky.social•8 days ago

Sooo... the question is... how many GOP Congressmen will fit in my backyard?

mallemok1.bsky.social•7 days ago

All of them if you tamp them down.

mosiwachiwi.bsky.social•8 days ago

frommeshed.bsky.social•7 days ago

Rats ...watch out if you.

julietacamp.bsky.social•8 days ago

🤯🐓 Cutie pies!! I don't eat eggs or meat....

marcvonborstel.bsky.social•8 days ago

Oh fabulous. Will work great on my urban terrace.

artcat1.bsky.social•8 days ago

You'll have plenty of high-grade manure for your composting.

katenobriga.bsky.social•7 days ago

Chickens don’t take care of themselves. Birds are a lot of work if you care to treat them well.

sparkylia.bsky.social•8 days ago

You don’t save money with chickens. They eat a lot. They don’t lay everyday. They won’t lay eggs for so many reasons like stress, heat, cold, nutrition and almost zero eggs in the entire winter when daytime is shorter. Then they get old and stop laying. They need plenty of care.

sparkylia.bsky.social•8 days ago

They are, however, very entertaining and fun to watch. If that’s what you are for, then go ahead raise chickens if you can. But definitely not for the reasons of saving money.

howyoufeline.bsky.social•8 days ago

Most urban & suburban communities have ordinances prohibiting chickens & other farm animals. Also, what are people to do who live in multi-unit buildings?! They have no backyard!

jerilc.bsky.social•8 days ago

My cats and the local coyotes will love that.

russellmark.bsky.social•7 days ago

Cats generally don’t bother them. I’ve got 4, all hunters and never lost one. Yet, when hens are young, one cats might try.

m00nspirit53.bsky.social•8 days ago

Aren’t you concerned about introducing bird flu to your family?

thejaderaven.bsky.social•7 days ago

It depends on the biosecurity of your property, as well. I'm lucky to be in a rural area with 5 acres, so my birds don't come into contact with many "outsider" birds. The magpies and robins stick to our area, and they sound alarms if there is a Hawk (the magpies will chase them off).

thejaderaven.bsky.social•7 days ago

It's also important to wash hands frequently, and provide a diet that boosts immune systems. Also, my guardian dogs scare away predators and some of the migrating birds and animals

hanni68.bsky.social•8 days ago

Always a concern, and we need to be smart about it. Have wintered my hens in basement - but since I am aiming for a larger flock that may be problematic. But the impact of all this hasn't fully hit yet, and I will pitch in any way I can.

jamesstaal.bsky.social•7 days ago

That sounds like prostitution.

koshen.bsky.social•7 days ago

they eat lots of bugs.

silverbell17.bsky.social•7 days ago

I don’t want to help spread bird flu for some eggs.

geezwillthiswork.bsky.social•8 days ago

Rent-A-Chick? Sounds sus.

kv417.bsky.social•8 days ago

Rent-a-chicken!

Low interest rates, option to buy 😆

apothcarysees.bsky.social•8 days ago

Bird flu has affected birds in the Arctic Circle as well as backyard flocks, it can be spread to cats.

https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/animal-health-and-welfare/animal-health/avian-influenza/avian-influenza-companion-animals

guwonder.bsky.social•8 days ago

A relative of mine wanted to raise free range chickens and have their own eggs produced at their house …. in downtown Chicago. Fortunately, they got too busy to lay an egg with that one.

spaceartal.bsky.social•8 days ago

Raising chicken in your backyard is against the law in many communities.

bbebrown66.bsky.social•8 days ago

Had a flock for years. Not cheap at all but I love my girls so much. The feed, bedding, fly traps, bumble feet, coyotes always hanging around, racoons, and hawks as well. Not cheap or worry free.

mamastyles.bsky.social•8 days ago

We can’t have chickens in our city limits..if we could I’d have a bunch.They eat pesrs,are kinda cute and I don’t even need eggs

toniandneal.bsky.social•8 days ago

I loved the idea of it. But then after researching Not for me. But I wish my neighbor had them and willing to sell the extra

hanni68.bsky.social•8 days ago

I started 25 chicks this year to help the community. I've had a small group of personal layer hens for years, but I feel if I able I need to pitch in. Networking will be the harder part, but I don't feel there will be a shortage of hungry people.

doggersrbest.bsky.social•8 days ago

"Let them eat cake."

theblueline.bsky.social•8 days ago

Chickens in a high rise could be interesting.

mouse63.bsky.social•8 days ago

When people start renting chickens it won't last. They'll discover quickly the horrible smell of Chicken shit. I grew up rural and have shoveled a lot but Chicken shit is absolutely the worse.

mallemok1.bsky.social•7 days ago

Yup. It’s the worst of the worst in August when ya haven’t shoveled since June.

biknmusicmama.bsky.social•8 days ago

I highly recommend anyone thinking about getting chickens get on a group for owners first, and then after you see about 200 pustules and read about 200 dead pulverized chickens eaten by a weasel or a coyote, decide if you’re really up for it (me: nope)

horseshoesue.bsky.social•7 days ago

Yep. Owls, hawks, raccoons….I had to get livestock guardian dogs. Ultimately stopped having chickens since I had young grandkids and I am, ahem, getting up there.

biknmusicmama.bsky.social•7 days ago

The things that happen to chicken butts are the stuff of nightmares

onionwars.bsky.social•7 days ago

How do you test them for Avian Flu? 🤔

russellmark.bsky.social•7 days ago

I think the flus come out of the industrial farms. The environment is high stress and extremely close quarters. I doubt there has ever been a case coming from backyard hens.

carolannesundahl.bsky.social•8 days ago

By Joyce Vance, MSNBC Columnist

dinahmillertx.bsky.social•8 days ago

“With chickens come rats,” said exterminator with expensive quote for rat infestation treatment

okay7.bsky.social•8 days ago

I haven’t seen any rats. I have found a black snake though. A shovel was the solution there.

dinahmillertx.bsky.social•8 days ago

I’d rather have a snake as they stay out of the attic. 😊

brelknight.bsky.social•7 days ago

I got chickens because I love watching them and spending time with them. They are smart silly creatures who I spoil with good food and treats and some cuddles.

bbeshoar.bsky.social•7 days ago

Sure, that's easily done. But if you assume a pair of hens will give you a dozen eggs per week, the math says those eggs will cost $ 22/dozen.

As an added bonus you vastly increase your risk of avian flu.
http://www.rentthechicken.com/p/buy.html?m=1

russellmark.bsky.social•7 days ago

Do you know of a case of a backyard hen transmitting AF?

kdaisey.bsky.social•8 days ago

🤦‍♀️

niewidzialna.bsky.social•7 days ago

http://www.rentthechicken.com

keithdjohnson.bsky.social•8 days ago

Rental is also expensive. Community Supported Agriculture is probably the cheapest approach. Basically, people buy a subscription for regular (usually weekly) delivery (or pickup) of produce, which can include a wide variety of foods: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Community-supported_agriculture

schwanderer.bsky.social•8 days ago

Work longer hours + commute + day care for your kids + chickens??

trixxyil.bsky.social•8 days ago

DiL wants to raise some. I think their Australian shepherd might not take kindly to them. Might be an experiment.

1202028.bsky.social•8 days ago

perk
What came first the chicken or the egg
What laid that egg wasn't a chicken
Still a chicken
If it wasn't a chicken then that wasn't a
Chickens egg
It's always the chicken that came first
Get to see that first hand
also
SOPA=soup
and those eggs in cartons
don't say "chicken eggs"
Just EGGS

acidrainstorm.bsky.social•8 days ago

unfortunately due to city ordinances and HOA rules, unless you are lucky like me and live out in the backwoods with no restrictions and lots of space, you wont save anything, my 19 are being farmed for eggs, chicks, and eventually meat and stock, plus fertilizer from the coop

wahooticketyboo17.bsky.social•7 days ago

I‘ve been keeping chickens rescued from factory farms for 20 years and let me tell you; it‘s not about the money, it‘s not about the eggs; it‘s about the joy of seeing these girls experience their first sunbath, their first time feeling grass under their feet, seeing their feathers grow back 👇

wahooticketyboo17.bsky.social•7 days ago

Seeing their unique and funny personalities develop. Being humbled by the fact that they want to trust people again. Having them help you out in the garden, sharing their curiosity and need for social interactions. Cuddling with them, listening to them chatter. It is so rewarding and joyful. Try it!

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