Chickens are the most prevalent bird in the world, with more than 25 billion chickens in existence. With dozens of chicken breeds to choose from, you have plenty of options to choose from. Some people cultivate chickens as pets, and others own them mainly for food. If you’re interested in owning a pet chicken, the idea of having fresh chicken eggs can be an appealing one. However, these birds are a big responsibility.
This guide will help you understand the benefits of a chicken and the potential drawbacks.
Pro: Fresh Eggs
Wouldn’t it be nice if you could head out to the backyard for fresh eggs? Owning your own chickens means you get to control their care and diet. With Organic Chicken Feed, your chickens will produce higher quality and more nutritious eggs.
When you allow them to freely roam your yard, they will have a more balanced diet. This makes the eggs healthier with lower bad cholesterol and saturated fat. They will also have more omega-3 fatty acids.
Con: You Need Multiples
While you could own one chicken, this isn’t ideal, and your chicken will likely suffer from loneliness. Chickens are social animals and are happiest when in groups. This means you’ll need at least three or four.
If you decide to only have one, you’ll need to allow your backyard chicken in the house. This will give the chicken a chance to interact with you and your family to satisfy its social needs. You could also get toys to occupy their time.
Pro: Nutrient-Rich Compost
While the odor and amount of chicken poop produced is a con, you can turn it into a positive. You will need to keep your chicken corralled so that poop doesn’t end up everywhere. You will also need to clean their environment often.
The positive to all of this is that composted chicken poop is better composting material than cow or horse manure. It adds phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen to your soil. These are all nutrients that will help your plants to thrive.
Cons: Noise
Chickens are loud and will make noise at any time of the day. Roosters are known for crowing, but many people don’t realize that hens can make similar noises. Hens will also sing a song when they lay an egg.
Some hens will sing their song at the top of their voice. Then, when the hens are feeling frisky, they will play tricks and tease each other. This can lead to the entire flock getting in an uproar with outbursts.
Purchase Your First Pet Chicken
Now that you understand the pros and cons of owning a pet chicken, you are ready to decide if chickens are the best pet for your family. It’s a lot of responsibility to raise chickens, but all of the time and effort are worth it for the many benefits that come with owning chickens.
Check out our other pet theme articles for more helpful advice on living with your furry or feathered family member.