5 reasons to keep chickens … and 5 considerations before doing so
By Ben - Last updated: Sunday, March 22, 2009 - Save & Share - Leave a Comment
After chicken-sitting for our friends when they went on holiday, we decided to buy some of our own last year … and we love them. It’s a growing trend, and here are some of the reasons why …
5 reasons to keep chickens
- A ready supply of eggs. Fresh eggs taste better than supermarket ones, and if you’re lucky you’re occasionally gifted with the giant double yolker
- Gorgeous pets, with real character and personality … and great entertainment (check out the video below)
- If you have kids, it’s a great way to teach them where food comes from … if you don’t have the space for pigs or cows.
- Relatively low maintenance. No brushing or bathing for these pets … the ladies take care of themselves.
- They make a fine roast when the egg supply runs dry!
5 considerations before getting them
- Cost of food is no more than any other pet, but the shelter can be expensive. Eglus are the best but a bit pricey.
- Do you love your garden neat and tidy? … they will tear it apart and poo all over it.
- If you have foxes in your area, you will need to keep an eye on the chickens if they’re roaming freely. However, chickens can take care of themselves with other animals and I heard from a friend that his chickens recently savaged a careless pigeon that was eating some of their food!
- Noise, particularly in the mornings when they’re up before you and are clucking for attention. Understanding neighbors required.
- Cover for holidays. Chickens are less easy to transfer to friends, or take with you on holiday but need someone to collect their eggs daily and clean them out.