Thinking about getting some pet chickens? There are a number of benefits for keeping chickens in your backyard. Not only do you get a regular supply of fresh eggs, but it can also be a rewarding and fun hobby for the whole family.
1. Fresh supply of eggs
One of most well-known benefits of keeping chickens is that you get a constant supply of fresh, free range, delicious eggs. Yum!
2. Low maintenance pets
You will need to care for your chickens every day, just like any other pet. However, chickens are relatively easy to look after. Typically, you will need to let your chickens out of their coop first thing in the morning, check for eggs and ensure they have food and fresh water. Your chickens will happily scratch around until you put them safely into their coop at night. You also need to set aside time each week or two to clean out the coop.
3. Good for the garden
If you love your garden, chickens make a great supply of manure and compost for your garden. Their coop waste can be turned into compost for your garden and they also make light work of garden pests that are bothering your plants or vegetable patch.
4. Low cost pets
After the initial start-up costs, keeping chickens is one of the most affordable pets available. They just require a small amount of attention each day to live happy healthy lives. The two ongoing consumable costs include food and new bedding. This doesn’t include the cost you will be saving on eggs and fertiliser.
5. Rewarding hobby
Many people find that raising backyard chickens can be a fun and rewarding hobby. Caring for your feathered friends can be a blissful and rewarding experience that you will treasure for many years, maybe even your entire life.
6. Pets with personality
Chickens can be quite funny and quirky! There are many different breeds to choose from with a stunning array of colours, patterns, shapes and sizes. Chickens can be fun and surprisingly entertaining with their unique personalities. Not only are chickens clever, but they can also be empathetic, affectionate, cheeky, bossy, silly and much more!
7. Great for kids
Chickens can be a great educational experience for kids. Not only will they become much loved pets, but they are a great way to teach your kids about pet care and where their food comes from. Showing your children that your chickens are living a good life is also very rewarding.
8. Sustainability
Keeping chickens is one of the easiest ways to live more sustainably. They help eliminate scraps, produce a natural fertiliser, get rid of pesky garden pests, assist with composting and provide fresh, free-range eggs! Keeping chickens is one of the most rewarding ways to start living green.
9. Peace and serenity
Many people find that keeping chickens helps them feel more connected to nature. Every time they look out their window and see their chickens roaming free in their backyard it can help them feel a sense of peace, tranquillity and serenity.
