Why Should You Get Chickens?
Raising chickens in your backyard can be a rewarding and surprisingly low-maintenance endeavor. Beyond the fresh eggs, you'll gain valuable life skills, connect with nature, and even improve your environmental impact. Here's why you should consider adding a flock to your family:
1. Fresh Eggs Galore:
The most obvious benefit: a constant supply of farm-fresh eggs. Imagine the taste difference! You'll savor the rich yolks and robust flavor that simply can't be matched by store-bought eggs. Plus, knowing exactly where your eggs come from and how your chickens are treated provides peace of mind.
2. A Sustainable Food Source:
Raising chickens promotes self-sufficiency and reduces your reliance on the industrial food system. By producing your own eggs, you minimize your carbon footprint associated with transportation and packaging. You can also utilize chicken manure as a nutrient-rich fertilizer for your garden, creating a truly sustainable cycle.
3. Valuable Life Lessons:
Raising chickens offers valuable life lessons for people of all ages. Children learn about responsibility, caring for living creatures, and the importance of observing animal behavior. Adults can reconnect with nature and appreciate the cycle of life.
4. Natural Pest Control:
Chickens are voracious eaters and will happily consume many common garden pests, such as slugs, snails, and insects. This natural pest control can significantly reduce the need for harmful pesticides in your garden, benefiting both your plants and the environment.
5. Backyard Entertainment:
Watching chickens peck at the ground, dust bathe, and explore their surroundings can be incredibly entertaining. Their quirky personalities and amusing antics will provide hours of amusement for the whole family.
6. Improved Mental Well-being:
Spending time with animals has numerous mental health benefits. Caring for chickens can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and provide a sense of calm and tranquility. The daily routine of feeding and tending to your flock can offer a welcome break from the hustle and bustle of modern life.
Getting Started:
Before you welcome chickens into your backyard, there are a few things to consider:
Local Regulations: Check with your local zoning ordinances to ensure that backyard chicken keeping is permitted in your area.
Space Requirements: Chickens need adequate space to roam and forage. Ensure you have enough yard space to accommodate their needs.
Housing: Provide a secure and comfortable coop to protect your chickens from predators and inclement weather.
Feed and Water: Research appropriate chicken feed and ensure they have access to clean water at all times.
Breed Selection: Choose breeds that are well-suited to your climate and your personal preferences. Some popular backyard chicken breeds include Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Australorps.
Building your own coop can be a very difficult and painstaking process so its best to leave it to the pros. Click the image below to have us do it
