Before you get started, it’s a great idea to know the benefits of chickens. They are so much more than a way to get eggs, and I can’t wait to share the rest of this list!
Raising chickens from chick to egg is fun and rewarding. Start out with this list and get ready to add your first hen to your backyard.
“I like chicken a lot because chicken is generous – that is to say, it’s obedient. It will do whatever you tell it to do. “ — Maya Angelou
These days, organic farming and greener living have become more than just buzzwords. We’re all looking for ways to go greener, give back to the environment, and lead healthier lives. You may be surprised to know that there’s a great way to take care of yourself, the environment, and others.
If you’re considering living a more sustainable life, you should consider raising chickens.
Raising backyard chickens does take some work. If you’re intimidated by the prospect of it or on the fence about keeping livestock in your yard, these wonderful benefits of chickens might get you over it (the fence that is).
10 Benefits of Chickens
If you need a bit of encouragement for investing both time and money in a backyard chicken setup, this list is it.
1. Chickens ly amazing organic eggs daily
This is usually the number one reason people raise chickens, because of the eggs they lay. If you’re a fan of eating healthy, farm-fresh eggs are better than store bought especially when you can monitor the feed and supplements your chickens are eating. Also, fresh eggs are more vibrant and taste more robust than generic eggs from the store.
If your top reason is eggs, then you will want to raise chickens that are known layers such as Rhode Island Reds, Australorp, or Leghorns.
Read: How to Use Eggshells Around Your Home and Garden
2. chicken poop is perfect fertilizer
Besides eggs, poop is another daily gift that chickens love to give. But the good news is, that poop is super beneficial for your backyard garden. Chicken fertilizer is full of nutrients and has been classed as one of the best and most desirable fertilizer for your garden. Add to your compost area until you need it and have a ready supply of additives that are organic and beneficial to the soil in your vegetable garden.
Baby Chick Supplies:
HOONSO Chicken Feeder and Waterer Kit,1KG Poultry Feeder and 1.5L Raised Baby Chicken Waterer 3 Adjustable Heights Chick Supplies No Waste for Quail, Duck, Brooder, Red
Chicken Perch Strong Wooden Jungle Gym Roosting Bar- Chick Stand for Baby Chicks – Wood Stand Chicken -Toy for Hens- Chicken Roosts
Raising Baby Chicks for Beginners: What you need to know about breeds, brooders, bedding, feed, health & biohazards
Magshion Wooden Chicken Coop Rabbit Hutch, Pet Cage Wood Small Animal Poultry Cage Run with Openable Roof and Side Door, Backyard Foldable Pet House Chicken Nesting Box 45.7 Inch (Natural)
3. chickens are great for pest control
Speaking of your garden, chickens could act as your garden’s pest police. Chickens are omnivores, meaning they can eat anything from veggies and grass but they also really love to eat grubs, bugs, and other pests. This makes them the perfect natural pest control.
This is a big benefit of chickens when it comes to protecting your garden from insects and other problems. Chickens will scratch at the ground to bring up worms and bugs to eat, and this is a point to keep in mind. If you give them unrestricted access to your garden or flower beds, they will also dig up delicate plants. For that reason, you will want to use temporary fencing to monitor where they go throughout the day.
4. chickens are quiet
If you have not raised animals before, chickens are a great place to start out. Yes, they do take more work to upkeep than a dog or cat. You will need to be more aware of feeding, cleaning, and shelter needs (especially in the winter). Once you have adequate shelter setup and feeding as well as watering systems in place, chickens will take care of the rest.
5. Eggs can bring in extra income
With most breeds laying daily, you may find yourself with an overflow of eggs. Depending on the size of your flock, those eggs are a great way to earn some extra cash. If you have just a few extras you can sell them to your friends or neighbors. If you have a few dozen extra, you can sell them at your local farmer’s market.
SLCG Pro Tip: If you’re raising chickens for meat, you can earn even more. Once they stop laying, you could choose to sell them instead of eating them yourself.
6. Chickens are great for kids
If you’re looking for a great family project, raising backyard chickens is a great place to start. Since chickens are fairly low-maintenance, they can still be an excellent bridge for teaching responsibility. Young kids can help with tasks like egg collection and the regular cleaning of the chicken coop. Older kids can learn business skills by selling eggs or chicks.
7. Raising chickens teach SUSTAINABILITY
Raising chickens is great for easing into a more self-sufficient lifestyle by supplying some of the food you eat from home so you are not as dependent on the stores. They also help improve your soil giving you a more productive garden full of fruits and vegetables.
8. Cut Down on Kitchen Waste
It’s true that chickens eat a lot and if you only rely on feed things can get a bit costly. To help, you can give them kitchen scraps. Chickens love vegetables, fruits, grains, and many other foods and this can help cut down on the food bill as well as the amount of kitchen waste in your home.
9. Build A Community
I love that there’s a whole community of folks raising chickens and they can really help you to learn the best way to care for chickens in your area. Reach out to others who have backyard coops and share your tips as well. This sense of community will give you amazing new resources when you’re stuck, whether it’s finding the right chicken breed for you and your family, how to winterproof your coop, or how to raise egg production.
More Chicken Care Resources:
- How to Grow a Chicken Garden
- Chicken Coop Essentials
- How to Stop Hen Pecking in a Coop
You’ll be surprised by what you’ll end up learning from interacting with fellow farmers. With this, you’ll see how raising chickens gives you an unexpected benefit in terms of knowledge acquisition and your social life. It is a rewarding hobby that can introduce you to some great people.
Raising your own chickens is a challenge, but it comes with unexpected perks and pleasures. Like with raising any animal, raising chickens requires know-how and a bit of patience and discipline as you learn along the way. Remember these benefits of chickens, and use them to encourage you to start your own backyard coop!
This wonderful post is brought to you by Morning Chores! One of my favorite sites on the web. Find tips on chickens and so much more. Zoe started her homesteading adventure in 2015, when she had to giveup her full-time job due to an acute hernia. She spends her days blogging over atMorning Chores, gardening and raising chickens and pigs
