D espite being seen as unconventional pets, especially if you live in the city, raising chickens is actually not as weird as you might think it to be. However, the main question remains: do chickens make good pets? The simple answer to that is ‘yes’.
These feathered friends are quite the ideal companion for anyone who wants pets and the company they provide but can’t afford to spend too much time or money on them. If you have a backyard, these might just be the perfect pets for you. While chickens can also be raised indoors, this is not the healthiest option for either party.
So, as long as you have adequate outdoor space, chickens are perfect for you. Here’s why.
1. They Are Inexpensive
One of the major reasons why people shy away from getting dogs and cats is the expense that comes with them. While adoption is a great way to cut down on the initial cost, food, litter, and toys increase the budget by quite a bit. In that sense, chickens are a lot less daunting. While acquiring them might have a slight cost, that’s where the majority of their expense ends.
Living outdoors, they usually lay waste in the garden (which is also good as it serves as fertilizer), don’t need medical treatments or vaccines, and their diet is literally anything they can get their hands on. Do you have any leftovers, grains, or pulses? That’s good enough!
2. They Have Interesting Personalities
Chickens are actually quite individualistic with unique personalities and quirks of their own. While some chickens are more loving and affectionate, others are playful and cocky, and some are simply the annoyed parent of the group. Watching them interact between themselves is an endless source of entertainment and makes your heart swell three sizes.
Moreover, their attachment to you is also very heartwarming while not being too much since they are quite independent and see you as a part of the clan. Moreover, with their tendency to play, you can have endless fun with them in a variety of games that keep you occupied.
3. They Help Lead A More Sustainable Lifestyle
As strange as it sounds, chickens can actually help you lead a more sustainable lifestyle. Leftovers don’t go wasted, you get an endless supply of natural fertilizer, cruelty and chemical-free natural eggs, no chemical pest control, and a healthier, chemical-free garden are only a few of the ways chickens help you achieve this.
With a lot of your waste being disposed of by them and breakfast eggs, as well meat if you want, coming from a natural and cruelty-free source, the life you lead is automatically a lot more sustainable and environmentally friendly than before.
4. They’re Great Pets For Kids
If you have kids, getting chickens might be a great idea for you. With how fast chickens grow up, it is a great opportunity to help explain the circle of life to children. It’s also a great way to develop kindness, care, and love for animals in them from a young age.
With supervised play with chicks, they can also learn the importance of being careful with animals and giving them space rather than being with them constantly. Moreover, children can also get a lot of active playtime with children in the garden which keeps them away from spending hours in front of the computer or TV. All in all, chickens are an excellent first pet for children.
5. They Can Help In Getting Extra Income
What other pets help you actually raise money? With chickens, backyard gardens actually become quite an achievable possibility. Chickens take care of the weeds and fertilizer making sure the crops turn out nice and healthy which can be used for the house or even sold for extra income. You can even sell extra eggs!
With how in-demand natural, chemical, and cruelty-free products are as awareness increases, people would love to purchase from a place that they know, can see, and is reliable. Whether you’re just selling to neighbors and friends or you’re looking to grow into something bigger, the start begins in your backyard and of course, with some chickens!
Hopefully, this answers the question of “do chickens make good pets”. At the end of the day though, a lot of these reasons are practical and unimportant. What matters most is the connection you foster with them and the joy they bring to you, and chickens do that the best.
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