Consider raising a handful (at least six) of birds to help keep them entertained. The chick you adopt as a pet will not recognize you as its mother, but it will be mature enough to be separated from the flock. Baby chicks, for instance, need more protein in their diets, Ducks vs Chickens: Pros and Cons for Raising Each Species, Can Chickens Swim? Five hens will produce up to 35 eggs a week, they eat … They are no more work than raising a dog and a cat but it’s much easier to take a vacation or trip away from home when you raise chickens. There are a lot of benefits to this knowledge, including the fact that you won’t have to worry about whether your chicken was raised ethically or exposed to various chemicals during its life. Chickens even have the ability to recall and recognize hundreds of different faces. Let them free range in your garden for a few days, and they will till up the soil, turning under any weed seeds or dead plants. Chickens are also very hardy birds. In addition, you are going to need to keep an eye on your other household pets, too. According to their new owners, they make affectionate and intelligent pets. Why cant chicken-meat growers use breds that dont need to be hybrid for meat and breds that dont suffer while getting fat? This will give you some insight into their personalities as well as their behaviors so that you will be aware if something goes wrong. This is also an ideal time to start introducing names. to show it off to you, either. Here are a few reasons why we believe that chickens make great pets: 1. If you are looking specifically for pet chickens and you are new to raising chickens, here is a handy guide to help you find the perfect fit and tips on how to raise a chicken as a family pet. Slowly reach your hands into the brooder to hand-feed your chicks. Jul 05, 2016. But you can’t just go out and buy a chicken in hopes of a best friend. Cochins are another chicken breed that works well in a family flock of chickens as pets. When your chickens are not drinking enough water they can easily become dehydrated and this can lead to … These diapers have liners and are washable, but they also have a downside. Chickens-as-pets has gotten a boost from social media, where chicken fans increasingly are competing to post the most glamorous chicken shots. Care of pet chickens is no different from that of any other chickens. It all started a few years ago when 'self sufficiency' and 'Good Life' type programmes were the fashion, then this was taken over by the re-homing of Battery Chickens. While you will want to pay attention to how much chicken manure you are adding to your garden – as well as when you are applying it, as it is quite high in nitrogen and can burn your plants if applied too liberally – it is safe to use in any setting. Personally, I would add two more criteria. You get control over every aspect of the process, and there’s definitely something to be said for that. Wire dog crates make perfect sleeping areas for indoor chicken pets. Chickens and Other Pets Don't Usually Mix This issue is situational. Places like Tractor Supply have a variety of chicks available throughout the spring. If you have a garden, you might have wondered Bantam breeds are usually good With dozens of fun-loving, beautiful breeds to choose from, why would you invest your time and money in raising any other kind of pet? Their soft feathers feel almost like hair, and their fluffiness makes them look more like a Muppet than a chicken, which really makes them appealing to children. This is true – but make sure you don’t skimp on costs when it comes to building a chicken coop. Common health problems with pet chickens include respiratory diseases, wing, leg, and foot injuries, feather mites and lice, and intestinal parasites. Lucky for you, a chicken offers more in return for a little bit of feed and attention than just eggs. We were daunted to say the least. Other owners use chicken diapers. It’s better than anything you can get on the market. Many owners claim to feel very zen when taking care of their small flock. They don’t need to be walked or groomed (although if you are raising chickens for exhibition purposes, you may have to do some clipping or cleaning every now and then). If you’re hoping to engage in a more sustainable way of living, there’s no better way to do that than to invest in a flock of chickens – or even just one chicken! best options for you to consider. In either case, this can be an expensive way to get a flock going. Although there are some companies that specialize in making chicken diapers, this isn’t something you want to get involved with. You might be surprised to know that chickens are very rewarding, and not just for their eggs. Here are all the reasons why you should consider raising a chicken as a pet – as well as tips for getting started and the best breeds for you to consider. Chickens as pets can be somewhat choosy and will not drink water that is dirty. Chickens offer a great solution to this common dilemma. Giving them a little feed a few times a day will help them build their trust. Most farmers specialize in meat chickens … Chickens are fairly easy to train and taught to do tricks – in some cases, you can even teach them to do things on command. Plus, then you won’t have to worry about dirty eggs every time you collect them! You can feed chickens just about any kind of leftover (yes, including meat!) will help you make the most of the sustainable lifestyle, these are some of the Here is our step by step how to raise a chicken as a pet. Preferably away from bedrooms and the kitchen to prevent accidents and cross-contamination. Once your chicks willingly come up to you, try to pet them on the head gently. Chances are, you probably felt guilty about throwing it in the trash, but then were forced to let it rot in the refrigerator because you kept telling yourself you didn’t want to waste food  – even though nobody was ever going to eat it. You will just want to be wary about feeding your chickens leftovers like uncooked eggs, onion, garlic, chocolate, or food that is too rotted, salty, sweet, or moldy. When you design your chicken coop, make sure it is protected against predators. READ BEFORE POSTING! options, too. too. More and more people are keeping Chickens in their back gardens. Chickens also cannot be potty trained, which is probably the greatest reason that they do not make good house pets. You will also know which behaviors are normal for your chickens and which are signs of problems in the flock. The story of my first chickens began in September 2011. Here you'll find everything you need to know about raising chickens in your backyard: why they're the best pet on earth; how to care for them; which chicken breeds are best for you; where to get them and more. You won’t need to pay money for eggs shipped from halfway across the country. Some owners keep their chicken outside to roam throughout most of the day. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'backyardchickenchatter_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_1',103,'0','0']));eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'backyardchickenchatter_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',103,'0','1'])); All of these chickens have the best temperaments to make pets. Now that you know how to raise a chicken as a pet, when will you get started? And when it gets dark, they let their hen in. You can employ the lazy man’s technique for cleaning a coop – a method of heavily bedding the chicken coop so you don’t need to replace it as often but instead will add more bedding –  known as the deep litter method, or you can scrape out all the gunk once a month or so. If you don’t have a yard, then not even keeping indoor chickens is feasible. We already mentioned that raising a chicken is not expensive. About Chickens. Before getting any chickens it's important you consider if you have the time, resources, commitment, knowledge and facilities to care for them. There are ways to do this full-time and part-time where everyone won’t go crazy. Chickens will eat everything from crickets to ants to mosquito larvae – and you don’t need to train them to do this, either. Chickens are just like any other pet in that they provide companionship and have individual personalities. You will be surprised at how emotionally attached you can be to your hens. Hens lay eggs, and if they are wearing a diaper, they will lay in a dirty diaper. They will eat weeds that grow among your plants – but know that you will need to be careful, as they will eat other types of garden plants (like your beans!) All chickens have similar needs for great nutrition and protective shelter. But you wouldn’t want to do this for a lonely chicken. No matter if your chickens live inside or outside, they need to roost in a high place. how you can improve the health of your plants without having to add potentially Now we will go right into our step by step on how to raise a chicken as a pet. You will also need a way to shut your chickens up inside the coop every night. They often started as a small hobby flock and transformed into more. They will contain higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamin D, vitamin E, and vitamin A. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'backyardchickenchatter_com-medrectangle-3','ezslot_5',102,'0','0'])); You might be thinking that keeping chickens as pets is a silly thing. While some areas have zoning laws that restrict the number of birds you can have and others put bans on roosters, there are very few other regulations about raising backyard chickens. Keeping a chicken as a pet in the house is becoming more and more popular. Have you ever made a meal and thought, “Ugh. Chickens are social animals and like to be around others of their own kind. Many of your local breeders are in tight connection with each other as well. Once you’ve dined on freshly laid chicken eggs that are only minutes old – instead of being weeks or months old from the grocery store – trust us, you’ll never want to go back. So if they can’t meet your needs, they can point you in the right direction. Chickens as Pets or Chickens as Livestock What is the purpose of keeping Hens in our Garden? These chicks get shipped with priority mail and arrive quickly. Here we have a list of the three best chickens to keep as pets. Know Your Chickens is a free resource dedicated to teaching backyard chicken owners more about their flock. You can do this by hand or you can invest in an automatic door opening and closing system. Gaining a chick’s trust will take a little time, but the outcome is a strong unbreakable bond. Doing this takes a lot of time and dedication. Organic. We all love having dogs, cats, fish, or even reptiles as pets. They can help your kids learn more about responsibility as well as the value of hard work. For chicken pets, we always recommend starting with a chick. Provide plenty of good ventilation along with an outdoor run for at least 10 square feet per bird. In many ways, chickens are much easier to care for than other types of pets, like dogs or cats. These birds are often subjected to cramped quarters – even those who are supposedly raised in “cage-free,” “organic,” or “free-range” settings. Annual check-ups are recommended for pet chickens but many vets will give you medication for your entire flock if one of your chickens has an illness to avoid making you bring in all of your chickens. Chicken Diapers: Should You Really Use Them on Your Chickens? And with some chickens, they can have the added egg factor. However, many people overlook the fact that chickens are also great companions to have on the homestead as pets. Even if you keep your chicken inside, they need daily exercise. Therefore, chickens are best raised outside. They will get bored and cold outside all alone. Others will never get along with your chickens. Their birds are just as much a working pet as your new chickens will be. Here are a few tips: You might want to consider arising more than just one backyard chicken. Not so when you are raising your own backyard pet chicken. The owner of this website, BackyardChickenChatter.com, is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking BackyardChickenChatter.com Review to Amazon properties including, but not limited to, amazon.com This occurs at no extra cost to you, and we appreciate your support. Some cats will cuddle a chicken like it's one of their own, and some will be licking their lips in anticipation of a yummy meal. Are Chicken Eggs With Blood Spots Safe To Eat? Chickens are not welcoming of new members, so it’s best to start your flock together all at once. Life with the hen rescuers. So you will have to pick your battles here. Many people name their backyard chickens and trust us, you’ll enjoy spoiling your chickens with treats and affection from time to time! We are getting back into getting chickens again for the enjoyment of it, for the eggs and as pets. Tips When Raising Chickens For the Freezer. So not only can they help you, but they also make it their mission to provide their area with the highest-quality birds. Plus, chickens love eating grass, so they’ll cut down on mowing and weeding you need to do. Chicken wire often isn’t enough – raccoons can easily get through chicken wire, so you will need to use another form of predator proofing, like heavy welded wire. You will be surprised at how cuddly and affectionate your chicken will be. These birds usually come from larger hatcheries. Long gone are the days that chickens are only raised on farms, chickens are becoming more and more popular as family pets and with good reason. Chickens will even help you at the end of the season. Your chicken pet will also prevent bug infestations because they will eat everything. Chickens are social, inquisitive, … There are some people out there who claim that they have been able to housebreak their chickens, but in most cases, this will be impossible. If you’re willing to spend more on veterinary care than the real or potential value of the chicken itself, it’s a pet. Broiler Chickens as Pets: We Solved Our Awkward Problem It was the day before Easter. Most of these stores have chickens bred for egg production. We already mentioned that chickens will get after bugs in your garden  – but they truly know no bounds and will take care of pests around the rest of your property, too. While these methods might work for every chicken, why not start strong? You can even buy fertilized eggs online to hatch chicks in an incubator. But we aren’t suggesting to become Chandler and Joey in an episode of Friends. When your chickens are old enough to leave the brooder, you will have a couple of options. 8388 Erin Stewart There is an idea that there are only two kinds of people in the world: dog people and cat people. Extremely calm and laid-back, they are large hens with feathered feet – originally bred in China as an ornamental breed. If you haven’t heard already, chickens make some of the best pets. Every year, tens of thousands of egg-laying chickens are rescued from slaughter and found loving homes. Talking with small breeders who knows their birds and breed for specific traits will help you find the best hen. She needs to scratch around and eat a few bugs, all of which are good for hens. Now we will go right into our step by step on how to raise a chicken as a pet. Now that you know how to raise a chicken as a pet, you might be wondering what’s next? Small flocks are low maintenance and sometimes easier to care for than a dog. And you shouldn’t expect it to be foolproof. It all seemed so foreign - we'd had dogs and cats and fish and mice as pets growing up, never chickens. Here are a few reasons why we believe that chickens make great pets: If you’ve ever interacted with a flock of chickens, you probably already know that each bird has a unique personality. To do this, all you need is patience and a treat. Baby chicks, for instance, need more protein in their diets, while laying hens need more calcium. Every encounter you have with your chicks, you should repeat their names over and over. You won’t have to contribute as much waste to the landfill, either, since you can feed a lot of your garden and kitchen waste back to your chickens. And they genuinely enjoy your company as well. You might see a short decline or halt in laying during the cold winter months or when your birds are molting, but other than that, you can get eggs all throughout the year. They have five toes instead of four and are much smaller than most chickens. Chickens seemed a bit 'Farmer Brown' serious and I was worried that my little urban clan wouldn't have the skills to deal with them. 10. I can not and will not butcher my own pets. William Peace University. Next, you will have to figure out where your chickens will sleep. Because no matter what method you use for handling poop, there will be a lot of accidents. If you have a pet chicken, it can also help teach your kids a little bit more about the value of life. Keep an eye on your chickens and try to interact with them each and every day. The coop itself should have at least four square feet of space per chicken, along with spots for roosting, nesting, and food and water. While you can feed your chicken a basic commercial feed, you should make sure you have dialed into the stage of life that your chicken is in so you can provide the optimal levels of nutrition. Chickens can be very calming to the soul. If you are looking for a breed of chicken that If you want to know exactly where your morning eggs are coming from, raise chickens. We are the friendliest, most supportive chicken group on Facebook but we have rules. Other options to consider include Brahmas, Chickens vs Guinea Hens: How to Choose Which to Raise, Introducing New Chickens to Your Flock (How-To Guide). – for you to raise at home. eval(ez_write_tag([[250,250],'backyardchickenchatter_com-banner-1','ezslot_3',105,'0','0'])); The final option is to buy your chicks online. No matter where you live, you can raise chickens. In addition to ensuring they have access to water throughout the day, you must also make sure their water is clean. You can spend time with them daily, and they will still be the best pets. They are the easiest to tame and imprint well on humans. After you know what type of pet chicken you want, it’s time to find a breeder. Plus, pasture-raised eggs (another way of saying eggs that are raised on green grass and sunshine, and are not the product of a factory-farmed chicken) are much better for you. When you raise chickens, you get to reap the rewards of your hard work every single day  – once your kids see how caring for an animal can produce some major benefits, they’ll learn that there are some things in life that are just worth doing yourself. No pet – other than the chicken, of course! Even if your chicken seems like the most prestigious and pampered hen, she still needs to roll in the dirt. It takes a little more creativity, but it is still possible. Compra Chickens As Pets: Your Definitive Guide to Keeping Pet Chickens. The popularity of pet chickens surged in the 2000s and they're now a pretty common pet for urban and suburban residents as well as for people living in rural areas. They are also lower in saturated fat and cholesterol. While many do not cuddle much, they will eat from one's hand, respond to and follow their handlers, as well as show affection. Keeping them in a chicken coop and letting them out to free roam will save you a little sanity. They will also eat any leftover plant matter or fruits, and they’ll fertilize your garden for free in the process. Easter Eggers, Delawares, and Rhode Island Reds. There is a process to take to create a bond between you and your flock. You don’t have to feel guilty about letting your food rot in the fridge or throwing out unwanted leftovers. Each chicken will parade around with a variety of shapes, patterns, colors, behaviors, and quirks to showcase. A more common way to get a chicken is to go to a local feed store. Chickens are the new family dog, says backyard chicken expert and blogger Kathy Shea Mormino, who is known to her fans as the Chicken Chick. They’ll gobble up worms, grasshoppers, ticks, and other pests you don’t want hanging around your lawn, too. The first thing you should consider is where they will poop. But the more you practice, the faster your chicks will warm up to you. What could you possibly benefit from owning a pet chicken? But if you prepare well, they can make excellent pets. If you have auto- or gravity-feeders and waterers, you may need to fill hoppers and drinkers only once a week (or even less). Chickens are fun and entertaining animals, that are relatively easy and inexpensive to raise. Normally they’re very inquisitive and friendly, and each one has its … Chickens as Pets (diapers included) #htvideo Story: https://www.heraldtribune.com/news/20160415/if-you-have-a-chicken-as-a-pet-its-going-to-need-a-diaper Some owners have had success hanging a second shower curtain rod in the bathroom for their hens to sleep. Chickens as pets Always contact a vet if you are concerned about the health and welfare of your chickens. Who says your pets can’t earn their keep as well? Pet chickens are also a way to preserve rare breeds; today breeds like Plymouth Rock are on the verge of extinction in most places because of the breeds better suited for production farming. If you have a few chickens, your best option is to keep your chickens outside. The average chicken can live 7-9 years, which is perfect for a pet. And while these birds can have even temperaments, some of them don’t care for human interaction. Choosing a breed that has a good temperament will help you tame your chickens more easily. Having a pet chicken is so rewarding. After your chickens have dried from hatch day, you can begin your work. Silkies are one of the best chicken breeds to keep as pets. Chickens can poop as much as once every 30 minutes. It’s all instinct! All you need is somebody to come check on the birds and refill their food once or twice a week while you’re gone. Some dogs can do just fine with chickens as long as they are given ample training. 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