The Scoop on Pet Chickens
Chickens aren’t just a staple on Old McDonald’s farm anymore; More of the flocked fowl are being brought into the backyards of suburban homes as pets all the time. Not only do chickens provide fresh-sourced eggs, but they’re also a great source of fertilizer, can dispose of food waste, help control pests and weed your garden!
They may not seem like the most conventional pet, but we’re here to tell you why you’ll fall in love with letting them into your life!
1.) Pest Control:
Instinctively, chickens LOVE the creepy critters that we try to get rid of! You can catch chickens chasing, scratching, and jumping for bug larvae, mosquitos, ants, and flies, to name a few! But it doesn’t stop there- They’ll even go after snakes and MICE!
And unlike Fluffy the Cat, there won’t be a gift left at your doorstep.
2.) They’ll Tidy Your Garden:
Chickens love to scratch, peck, and snack. At the beginning and end of your garden season, swing open your garden doors and unleash the chickens! They’ll clean up your weeds, move your dirt, and remove any pests that may be hiding in your dirt. Along with providing free fertilizing services as they work, they’ll take your daunting chore, and see it as a heyday!
(You can let them into your garden during the growing seasons too, but just keep an eye on your produce!)
3.) They’ll Scrap Your Scraps:
Salad ends, fruit and vegetable rinds, leftovers that have been hanging out for far too long in the refrigerator? Chickens will eat it! Anything that you’d normally throw into the compost, you can hand out to your chickens. After some time, they’ll learn the process and know that treat time is coming! Imagine a flock of excited chickens running to you because they recognize your blue compost bucket? It’s real, and it’s awesome! Your trash is their treasure.
4.) Their Houses Can Match Yours:
Gone are the days of wood walls, small roosts, and your run-of-the-mill-looking coop. People are accessorizing their back yards with chicken coops that look worthy of a magazine cover. There are quirky, conventional, colourful, and downright outrageous design options that are bound to fancy any chicken owner’s eye!
5.) They Like Attention:
From fluffy chick to feathered hen, pet chickens, (some breeds more than others,) love to be held, pet, and snuggled! They can be trained to hop onto your shoulders for a ride, or just walk around in your arms. Much like your other pets, chickens all have their own unique characteristics and attitudes, meaning diversity amongst your flock!
Not only will owning pet chickens allow you to explore a new realm of pet care, but they will enrich your backyard life with character and fun!
