Benefits Of Keeping Chickens

If you have decided to raise chickens or are currently keeping some in your backyard, familiarizing yourself about its benefits can be very rewarding. You might have your own ideas already, but it shouldn't hurt to expand your knowledge on the pros of raising chickens at home. After all, an advantage can only be one if you recognize it for what it is.

The following are the benefits one can have when raising chickens at home:

Home-Kept Eggs Are Healthier. Scientific evidence suggests that battery eggs contain a higher amount of salmonella, and thus, can be very harmful to us through prolonged intake. There's a consensus among chicken owners that the eggs their flocks produce is safer since they have full control of their poultry's diet intake. Raising your own chickens ensures that your flock is getting a balanced intake of proper nutrients and vitamins paramount to producing eggs safe for human consumption.

You Can Save More Money From Home Produced Eggs. Having three or more chickens that constantly produce eggs saves you the trouble of buying eggs at your local supermarket. A normal hen could lay an average of 300 eggs a year, provided that they are getting the proper nourishment. Increasing the amount of hens can also provide more returns, provided that you are buying poultry and chicken feed at a cheaper price.

The Waste Products Of Your Chickens Can Be Utilized As Fertilizers. It has always been noted in many sources that chicken waste is one of the best fertilizers around for its high amount of nutrients and nitrogen, which can help your garden produce vegetables at a faster rate. And the fact that they're organic makes your crops free from harmful chemicals. It's also a plus that your chickens feed on bugs and insects that incessantly wreak havoc on your crops.

Chickens Make Good Pets. The hens, especially the "bantam" types, are docile in nature, not to mention that they are total beauts! Many types of breeds are beautiful in appearance, most notably Barred Rocks, Wyandottes, Orpingtons and Cochins. You can always go to the internet for photographs of certain breeds to decide better which breeds are to your liking. A chicken's plumage has an overwhelming variety of colors, and I guarantee that you'll be having a blast just by sorting through them. Chickens, while not as smart as dogs, can be very playful and friendly. If trained real well, some of them can eventually pull off some tricks, and you might use them to impress your friends as they ogle over the beauty and magnificence of your chickens.

There are still a plethora of benefits, and you can discover some of them on your own. Having the initiative to learn more and taking a humane approach to raising chickens can pave the way to maximizing these benefits, and both you and your avian family will be happier for it.

Keeping Chickens: What You Need To Know

Raising chickens has become popular not just in farms, but also in many urban areas. It’s hardly surprising considering the amount of benefits one can have with the endeavor. You get a regular supply of eggs for food, not to mention that their manure has proven to be one of the cheapest and most effective organic fertilizers around. Chickens are also very potent when it comes to getting rid of pests in the garden.

It is important that you familiarize yourself with some facts and general guidelines in raising chickens before making a decision. I’ll enumerate them all one by one.

Raising Chickens Is Illegal In Some Cities. You might do well to call your municipality and ask about the city laws that involve the matter of housing poultries. Doing a research on the internet can also yield some results. There might be limits on how many fowls you can keep, or how many square meters your hen house can occupy. You should also take into account the designated locations where you are allowed to raise poultry. Take heed of all these and make sure that you aren't breaking any laws in the process of raising your chickens.

Ask Your Neighbors First. Chickens can be bothersome with their constant clucking, after all. If you're fortunate enough to get their approval, some conditions might also be raised and you'd best ensure that you meet them once you already have chickens prowling your backyard. Asking for approval is a very noble gesture, and prevents a rift from developing between you and your neighbors.

Choose The Breed Of Your Flock Wisely. Most would prefer hens instead of roosters, for they are not as rowdy and noisy, not to mention that hens don't require roosters for them to lay eggs. Hens are the ultimate feminists, since they are very much comfortable without their male counterparts. As for breed selection, the "bantam" is more popular for their docile nature and gorgeous plumage. Their small size also makes them easier to handle. You also have to consider the size of a chicken's comb and wattle since these extra appendages are prone to frostbites during winter, which can cause health complications if not treated properly.

Set Up A Coop To House Your Pets. A strong and high fence should be built around the vicinity to prevent potential predators from harassing your domestic fowls. The hen house should be warm and bright, has enough ventilation, but no draft. Placing a dirt pen is also essential for the chickens for their dust baths. A roost is also required since hens love to sleep off the ground, and nesting boxes (you can use any pliable box) to store the eggs as they come. And finally, a water dispenser and a food tray must be set up so they could feed and have their daily intake of water.

These are inexpensive and can be found in any feed store. Once your hens are settled in their homes, you have to feed them regularly and keep their surroundings clean.