More and more people today are choosing to buy farm fresh and free range eggs. Reasons for this may vary from the realization of the health benefits to the compassion toward the animal and its living conditions.
Those who want to go a step farther are now deciding to raise their own chickens.
As someone who has grown up with chickens their whole life, I want to share with you some things you should know and keep in mind before deciding to buy and raise your own chickens.
First off, before you buy chickens you should figure out what kind you want. Different breeds are meant for different things. Some of the most popular and hardy egg laying hens that my family have owned are;
1. Rhode Island Reds – they lay around 250 brown eggs a year
2. Leghorns – they lay around 250 white eggs a year
3. Golden Comet – they lay around 250 brown eggs a year
The second thing you should know is that although your chickens may be free range, they should always have a place to go to at night, and a place to stay inside during the winter.
If they are left out all night with no protection, it is very likely that a predator will get to them. Unfortunately, chickens are on the prey list of many predators if they get the chance.
We have two big livestock guardian dogs who protect ours, so as long as the chickens don’t roam too far they will be ok. I would suggest getting a guard dog or fencing in an area if you are in an area where something could get to them.
Not only do they need a place to perch up at night, they also need a place to lay those eggs of theirs! Our chickens have laying boxes that they go in to lay their eggs. If they don’t have these or something similar, you may have a hard time finding where they are laying them, especially if they are roaming free all day!
A third and very important thing to know is that that a hen and rooster are very different. No, you do not need a rooster to have eggs. Roosters are only necessary if you want your hens to have babies. Roosters can be very mean. I would not suggest owning a rooster with your hens if your sole wish is to have eggs.
Now, before I get to the many benefits of raising chickens, I must mention my least favorite thing about these little friends… Their POOP. Yes, I said it. As long as you are ok with, and can avoid the areas that they drop their little surprises I think you will be just fine with owning chickens! (ALTHOUGH, I must mention that it does make good fertilizer).
So, what are the benefits of owning your own chickens?
1. I’ll start with the obvious, The FRESH delicious organic eggs – How great is it to know where your food actually comes from? You’ll know exactly what your chickens are eating and what is going into them. You will never have to spend money on eggs again!
2. The Health Benefits – Research shows that chickens allowed to roam freely and eat grass lay eggs that are higher in Omega-3 fatty acids. They are also higher in Vitamin E, and are lower in cholesterol than store-bought.
3. No waste! We give our chickens almost all of our leftover scraps from our meals. Chickens are scavengers so they can eat almost anything, even chicken. However, it is important to know what you should NOT feed them. Chickens should never have chocolate, citruses, candy (or various junk foods), avocado skin or pit, and anything moldy (kind of obvious).
4. Compost Pile – collect the hay used for their bedding and put it into a compost pile and you’ll have great soil for your garden and plants!
5. Provide a great life for chickens – your chickens will have the best life, roaming around free and not stuck inside a small cage in a factory 🙁
6. They are Pets – I have owned plenty of friendly chickens. I have had ones that liked to be picked up, ones that follow me, and ones that cuddle with my dogs. Treat them right, and they will do the same!
If you have the space, time, and opportunity I highly recommend buying your very own chickens. The results are good for you, the environment, and the chicken!
