Chickens are nature’s feathery alarm clocks—they’ll have you up at dawn and ready for bed by sundown. But have you ever considered keeping chickens as pets? If you’re looking for a new pet, consider chickens!
Why do Chickens Make Great Pets?
Chickens make fantastic pets for many reasons:
1. Companionship:
Chickens are social animals and love to be around people. They can quickly learn to recognize their owners and follow them around the yard. They also act as natural alarm clocks, alerting you to any unusual activity.
2. Stress Relief:
Chickens provide a sense of calmness and peace. They are great listeners and can ease stress levels in your life.
3. Teaching Responsibility:
Owning chickens teaches children responsibility and can spark an interest in careers involving animals or agriculture.
4. Training and Care:
Chickens can be trained to do tricks and are relatively easy to care for. They don’t require much space or special equipment, and they help keep your garden clean by eating bugs and weeds.
If you’re looking for an animal that will be able to provide love and affection, then chickens are a perfect choice!
Benefits of Keeping Chickens as Pets
Chickens are affectionate and intelligent creatures, making them great companions for all ages. Here are some benefits of keeping chickens as pets:
- Fresh eggs: Hens typically lay between 3 to 7 eggs a week, depending on factors like breed, diet, and age, reducing or eliminating the need to buy eggs.
- Intelligence: Chickens can be taught tricks and quickly recognize their owners.
- Child-Friendly: Chickens don’t require a lot of attention and are social animals, making them excellent pets for children.
- Affectionate: Chickens love spending time with their owners, often cuddling or sitting on their shoulders.
- Playful: Chickens are playful and funny, keeping kids entertained.
- Easy to Care For: They need a small space, a coop with a roosting area, and minimal attention.
- Environmental Benefits: Keeping chickens helps recycle food waste into fertilizer and compost.
Basic Items You’ll Need to Keep a Pet Chicken
Here’s a list of basic items you’ll need to keep a pet chicken:
- A Coop and Run: A safe place for chickens to live. An automatic chicken coop door from Run-Chicken adds convenience and security.
- Food and Water: Chickens need protein-rich food, clean water, and grit. Run-Chicken offers indoor feeders that hold up to 20 pounds of feed.
- Nesting Boxes: Essential for egg-laying hens. Run-Chicken offers hexagon-shaped nesting boxes for easy egg collection.
- Bedding: Use straw, hay, grass, leaves, or sawdust to keep the coop and nesting boxes clean.
Things to Know About Keeping a Pet Chicken
Chickens are low-maintenance pets that provide fresh eggs and are super cute! Here are some considerations before getting chickens:
- Common Health Issues: Chickens can suffer from parasites, respiratory infections, mites, coccidiosis, and other diseases.
- Safety: Protect chickens from predators with a durable automatic chicken coop door and secure fencing.
- Space: Ensure you have enough room for chickens to roam and scratch.
- Noise: Chickens are noisy and cluck constantly, which might bother you or your neighbors.
- Garden Protection: Chickens will eat plants, so protect your garden.
