Tips to Avoid Poultry Burnout

We have all faced burnout at some point in our lives. Keeping any type of livestock requires an ongoing cycle throughout the year to ensure their needs are met. Significant time, energy, and resources are required to keep up. Most factors contributing to burnout can be managed. Whether you are new to poultry or a seasoned keeper, keep these tips in mind.

Time Commitment

Daily chores usually do not take long; giving yourself enough time to complete them is important. Walking out to the coop in dress clothes is not an option; somehow, you will get dirty. Seasonal coop clean-up and maintenance will take up more time. Fitting this into your schedule is vital for the health and vitality of the flock. Make sure everyone in the household knows how to handle the daily chores. There will be times when someone else will have to lock them up at night. 

Financial Strain

Initial investments for a coop and all chicken-related items can be overwhelming. Try to think outside the box and utilize materials you have on hand. The pre-built coops sold are beautiful but pricey. Using scrap materials to build your own coop is not just inexpensive; it also makes it unique! Keep detailed records of expenses and sales. This will help when planning goals the following year. Shop prices for feed at different locations in your area. Some grain mills offer bulk discounts, and kitchen food scraps or leftovers can be used to supplement feed. 

Overwhelming Goals

Whether your goal is egg layers, meat birds, or any other type of poultry, it is easy to be overly ambitious and start with more than you can handle. Start small, even if your goal is to sell extra eggs or meat. It can quickly become overwhelming to meet the deadlines for eggs /meat sold. You may find yourself in an endless cycle of work, feeling as though nothing has been accomplished. 

We all have busy lifestyles. If you are thinking of getting poultry or you already have them, stick with a manageable amount and build gradually as time and resources allow. Maintain clear financial records to reevaluate at the end of the year. If you start to feel overwhelmed, take the time to step back and see what can be changed. 

“The great thing in this world is not so much where we are, but in what direction we are going.” — Oliver Wendall Holmes Jr.