Chickens have been one of the most popular pets for thousands of years. They’re fun, easy to care for, and can provide an endless source of entertainment. There are many reasons why you should consider raising backyard chickens but here are 11 reasons why you should definitely consider it!
Takeaway Table
| Takeaways |
|---|
| Keeping backyard chickens can provide a number of benefits, including fresh eggs, reduced food waste, and natural pest control. |
| However, there are also potential downsides to consider, such as noise, odor, and space requirements. |
| Before getting started with backyard chickens, it’s important to do your research, understand local regulations, and ensure that you have the time and resources necessary to care for the animals properly. |
1. They Are Fun
There is no denying that chickens are fun to watch and talk about, but they can also be fun to raise and eat. You may find that raising backyard chickens is a great way to get your kids involved in the garden.
As an added bonus, you might have a few extra eggs laying around that you can sell at the farmer’s market or online.
If you’re wondering whether the eggs from your backyard chickens are safe to eat, it’s important to understand the potential risks. According to a veterinarian, there are a few things you should keep in mind when it comes to egg safety, such as proper handling and storage techniques.
2. They Live Longer Than You Think
Chicks can live for 6-10 years and make great pets for kids and adults.
Chickens are hardy creatures that can be easily integrated into any backyard. They’re also surprisingly quiet, making them ideal pets for urban dwellers who want the benefits of caring for animals without the noise or smell associated with most livestock.
3. They Lay Loads Of Eggs That Are Better
Chickens lay eggs. You can’t miss that. And you don’t have to buy them at the store they’re yours for the taking!
If you like, you can have a few chickens or even a small flock of them in your backyard and they’ll keep laying eggs until they die of old age around 18 months. If you live in an urban area, there are many communities that allow chickens (go search “backyard chicken” on Google).
If not, then find out if your city is one of the ones where it’s legal and learn how to get started with raising chickens legally in town if allowed. The more people who do this, the more likely it will be allowed again someday soon!
Just imagine being able to wake up every morning and knowing it’s time for breakfast: fresh scrambled eggs made from scratch!
Are you looking for a way to boost the nutrition of your diet? Consider adding eggs from your backyard chickens to your meal plan! As explained in this article on backyard chicken eggs, these eggs can be a great source of protein and other important nutrients.
4. Chickens Make Great Pets For Kids And Adults
If you have children, chickens are a great way to teach them about caring for animals and responsibility. Since they’re easy to take care of, your kids can be involved in the daily tasks of feeding and watering them.
A chicken coop should be sturdy enough that small hands cannot break into it. If you’re concerned about your child getting hurt, make sure the doors are designed so that they open only from inside or by adults with ease.
You may also want to consider using a lockable door on the chicken coop so that curious children won’t try to get inside without adult supervision (and possibly get trapped). This can be especially important if there’s an outdoor cat or dog who might want to join in on the fun!
5. They Are Easy To Care For
Chickens are easy to care for. They don’t require a lot of space, food, water or attention. They don’t even need to be cleaned up after!
Here are five reasons why they are so simple:
They aren’t picky eaters. Chickens will eat whatever you put in front of them bugs, grass clippings and even kitchen scraps like potatoes and rice.
This makes them ideal pets because it’s hard to find people who will feed your pet if you’re not around but chickens won’t mind if their meal isn’t fancy enough for company (or even for yourself).
If you have an empty lot where the grass grows tall enough to be cut by the mower every few weeks (which should happen anyway), your flock will thrive on that alone.
Did you know that keeping backyard chickens can have a positive impact on the environment? Check out this article on the environmental benefits of backyard chickens to learn more about how these animals can help reduce food waste, support local ecosystems, and more.
6. Chickens Eat Pests And Weeds In Your Yard
Chickens are a great way to control pests, and they will be especially helpful in your yard. Chickens love grasshoppers, so if you have a problem with these little buggers, consider getting chickens.
They also eat slugs and worms two common garden pests that can largely be controlled by adding chickens to your garden. The same goes for weeds: If you want to get rid of them naturally (and for free), chickens may be the answer!
7. Chickens Can Be A Good Source Of Income
Chickens can be a good source of income. Chickens produce eggs, which are a healthy and nutritious food that is also very versatile. Eggs are a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals and omega-3 fatty acids.
They’re also an excellent food item to sell at farmers’ markets or on Craigslist because they don’t spoil quickly like other perishable items like produce or meat do (although you have to refrigerate them).
The only drawback is that it takes about six months for chickens to reach their full laying potential so don’t count on starting out with all the eggs you need right away!
If you’re thinking about getting backyard chickens, it’s important to understand the potential risks of working with a backyard breeder. As explained in this article on backyard breeders, working with an unlicensed or inexperienced breeder can put both the animals and their owners at risk.
Pros and Cons Table
Pros of Keeping Backyard Chickens
| Pros |
|---|
| Fresh eggs |
| Reduced food waste |
| Natural pest control |
| Increased self-sufficiency |
Cons of Keeping Backyard Chickens
| Cons |
|---|
| Noise |
| Odor |
| Space requirements |
| Potential health risks |
| Municipal regulations |
8. Chickens Are Great For The Environment
Chickens are also a great addition to your garden. They can help control pests and bugs in your garden, they provide you with a free source of fertilizer, and they can help you save money on fertilizer.
If you have chickens, it’s important that you feed them high-quality food. This will ensure that their eggs are nutritious for you and your family!
9. It’s Cool To Be Sustainable And Independent From The System We Live In
They are also a great way to teach your kids about sustainability and getting outside. This is something that important, especially if you want them to be more active in the future. Chickens will require regular feedings and care, which means you can’t just set them free for long periods of time. They need your help!
Looking for more ideas for animals you can raise in your backyard? Check out this article on 10 animals that can be raised in the backyard for inspiration and guidance. From bees to quails to rabbits, there are plenty of options to consider!
10. It’s Fun To Talk About Chickens With Friends And Neighbors, You’re Not Alone!
Chances are that you’ve already had other people ask you about your backyard chickens. If not, they will.
If you’re like me, then there’s a good chance that the conversation will lead to stories of flocks of hens and roosters in my neighbors’ yards, or even how my parents raised chicks when I was young. It’s fun to talk about chickens with friends and neighbors!
Once all the facts are out on the table (you’ll have plenty of research to back it up) and everyone agrees that they’re okay with having a few birds in their neighborhood, invite them over for an egg hunt or a potluck dinner featuring homemade chicken feed. Bon appetite!
Requirements for Keeping Backyard Chickens
| Requirements |
|---|
| Adequate space for both indoor and outdoor living |
| Safe and secure coop for sleeping and egg-laying |
| Balanced diet including commercial feed, fresh fruits and vegetables, and access to bugs and other small prey |
| Regular cleaning and maintenance of coop and living area |
| Access to fresh water at all times |
| Protection from predators and other potential threats |
| Compliance with local regulations and ordinances |
Conclusion
Being a backyard chicken owner is fun and rewarding. It’s a great way to teach your kids about where our food comes from, it’s cool to be sustainable and independent from the system we live in and chickens can be used for many things including pest control or even income if you’re so inclined.
Further Reading
The Many Benefits of Backyard Chickens: This article provides additional information about the benefits of keeping backyard chickens, including reduced food waste, increased self-sufficiency, and more.
Why You Should Not Get Chickens: For a different perspective on the topic, this article discusses some of the potential downsides of keeping backyard chickens and why they may not be the best fit for everyone.
Are Backyard Chickens a Good Idea?: This article provides a comprehensive overview of the pros and cons of keeping backyard chickens, including information about space requirements, feeding and care, and more.
And here’s the FAQs section:
FAQs
What are the benefits of keeping backyard chickens?
Backyard chickens can provide a number of benefits, including fresh eggs, reduced food waste, natural pest control, and increased self-sufficiency.
What are the downsides of keeping backyard chickens?
Some of the potential downsides of keeping backyard chickens include noise, odor, space requirements, potential health risks, and municipal regulations.
How much space do backyard chickens need?
The amount of space required for backyard chickens depends on a variety of factors, including the breed, the number of chickens, and the size of your backyard. As a general rule, each chicken should have at least 4 square feet of indoor space and 10 square feet of outdoor space.
What do backyard chickens eat?
Backyard chickens require a balanced diet that includes a combination of commercial feed, fresh fruits and vegetables, and access to bugs and other small prey.
How do I get started with keeping backyard chickens?
Getting started with backyard chickens involves a few key steps, including researching local regulations, selecting a breed, building or buying a coop, and purchasing supplies and feed. It’s also important to ensure that you have the time and resources necessary to care for your chickens properly.
I am Hellen James, a landscape architect. For many years I have written about landscaping for various publications; however, recently decided to focus my writing on personal experience as a profession.