Opinion: 13 Reasons Why Everyone Should Keep Chickens (If Possible)

Thinking about keeping chickens might seem a little out there, I get it because I felt the same way when my husband ordered 15 of them earlier this year. But trust me, it's one of the best decisions you can make if you have the space. These feathered friends aren't just for farmers, they bring a variety of benefits to your backyard and life. Whether it’s the fresh eggs, the free pest control or just the joy of watching them peck around, chickens have a way of fitting right into everyday life.

Free ranging chickens.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Access to Fresh Eggs Every Day

Let’s start with the obvious. Keeping chickens means you get to enjoy the unbeatable taste of fresh eggs every morning. Chickens provide a steady supply, reducing your grocery bills and giving you complete control over your breakfast’s freshness and nutrition. There's no more running out of eggs or having to run to the grocery store to bake a cake.

Natural Pest Control

I have to laugh when I see egg cartons boasting “100% vegetarian fed” as if that’s something to strive for in a chicken’s diet. Chickens are omnivores as any quick search on the internet will tell you, meant to scratch and peck. They love eating bugs. They’re like nature’s own pest service, eagerly hunting down bugs and insects across your yard including ticks. This not only keeps your garden healthy but also reduces the need for chemical pesticides.

Garden Fertilizer

Rich in nutrients, chicken droppings can be composted and turned into excellent fertilizer and it’s a heck of a lot cheaper than buying bags of chemical fertilizer from a big box store.

Person holding a basket of eggs.Photo byPhoto credit: YayImages.

Entertainment

You probably won’t realize this until you actually have chickens, but they’re a great source of entertainment. They’re basically little personalities on legs. Watching their daily antics and interacting with them can and will bring joy and amusement to your family.

Keep Food Waste to a Minimum

Chickens are not picky eaters; they’ll happily consume most of your kitchen scraps, which not only reduces the waste going to the landfill but also helps you maintain a more sustainable lifestyle.

Small Side Hustle

Selling extra eggs or even chickens for meat to your local community can become a modest source of additional income. This little side hustle can help cover feed costs or fund other household needs.

Feeding chickens.Photo byPhoto credit: Shutterstock.

Meat

If you’re inclined, raising chickens for meat can ensure you have a regular supply of fresh, ethically-raised poultry, knowing exactly where your food comes from. Even if you don’t set out with the intention to raise meat chickens, they day will come when you have to make a decision about a non-layer. Your options include, giving it away or eating and cooking it yourself.

Connection with Your Community

Sharing or trading your chickens’ eggs can help you meet and interact with neighbors in a way you might not have otherwise.

Excellent Educational Opportunity for Kids

Raising chickens can teach children responsibility and give them firsthand insight into the origins of their food, which is an invaluable lesson in today’s disconnected world.

Encourages Physical Activity

Caring for chickens requires a bit of elbow grease, from cleaning coops to refilling feeders and waterers. It’s a great way to stay active and engage with the natural environment. It’s also a great way to get kids off screens and outside. Nothing about their care is hard or confusing but like anything on a farm, it's manual labor.

Child feeding chickens.Photo byPhoto credit: YayImages.

They’re Easy “Pets”

While they won’t offer the same type of companionship as a dog or cat, chickens require much less maintenance than traditional pets too. They need no walking, minimal grooming and are relatively easy to care for, making them ideal for anyone new to keeping animals. Plus, they’re a pet that actually gives back!

Stress Relief

The simple routines of chicken care and the presence of chickens can offer stress relief and mental health benefits. Their peculiar presence is grounding and calming. It may sound odd, but try de-stressing after a long day at work in the coop instead of with a bottle.

Experiencing Connection With Your Food Source

Raising chickens closes the gap between farm and table, giving you a deeper appreciation and connection to your food. Food tastes better and different when you know where it came from and had a part in creating it.