For several years now, backyard chickens have been all the rage. Fancy coops have turned up in even the nicest of neighborhoods as people, some who didn’t appear to have a homesteading bone in their bodies, jumped on the self-sufficient, save-the-planet bandwagon. Lots of folks have turned the fad into a lifestyle they would never abandon while others have decided it’s not for them. If you are wanting backyard chickens now is the best time of year to get started, but please carefully consider all the pros and cons before jumping in. Chickens are a commitment like any animal and you should never take that commitment lightly. Here are some things to think about.
Reasons You Should Raise Backyard Chickens
1. Farm-fresh eggs.
Egg cartons carry labels like Grade A, cage-free, all-natural, free-range, vegetarian-fed, humanely raised and antibiotic-free but what does it all mean? Not much as it turns out as nearly all grocery store eggs come from factory farm operations where conditions are sad at best and stomach-turning at worst. Raising your own chickens will ensure that your family has fresh eggs that are not just more delicious but healthier, being lower in cholesterol and higher in beta carotene, vitamin E and omega 3 fatty acids than what you can buy at the store.
2. Pest control.
I always roll my eyes when I see egg cartons in the store that say “vegetarian fed”. Chickens are NOT vegetarians! They are true omnivores and love to eat grasshoppers, beetles, spiders, flies, earwigs, worms, snails, slugs, weevils, centipedes and lots of other creepy crawlies. If it moves, they’ll at least consider eating it and chase a sister around the yard if she gets to it first. If you want a pest-free yard, chickens are the way to go. They’ll even eat mice, frogs and snakes if they can catch them.
3. Chicks are so dang cute.
Okay, this alone is not a reason to raise backyard hens. But chicks are quite possibly the cutest babies in the animal kingdom and so much fun to hold and interact with, especially if you have kids. I swear, no one will be able to resist picking up your darling babies and that is actually a good thing as the more they get held the more tame they will be. Keep in mind that chicks are only cute for about a month but pretty soon their unique personalities will start to shine and you will love them for a bunch of other reasons.
4. A mother hen with chicks is even cuter.
Chicks don’t need a mom to raise them. They will learn what they need to learn on their own. But if one of your hens goes broody (decides she wants to be a mom) then you can often get her to adopt some day-old chicks either from the feed store or that you hatched out in an incubator. This is definitely taking chicken ownership to the next level but watching a mother hen take care of her chicks is an educational and heart-warming experience you and your family will love.
5. Chickens are quiet.
Which is more than your neighbor’s dog can say. They go through their day pecking at the ground and making soft clucking noises to themselves, each other and you, when you show up for a visit. Some hens will bring the clucking level up a few notches after they lay an egg just so everyone notices their grand accomplishment. But even the most self-important hen only has something to brag about once a day. As soon as dusk falls they go into their coop and are completely silent until you open the hatch the next morning. Good-night ladies.
6. Lap Chickens.
Most farmers don’t consider their chickens to be pets. But If you have a few backyard hens that you raised from chicks, that you held and talked to, they will probably feel like pets to you. The good news is that they can make great pets. They all have very diverse personalities and it is always entertaining to watch how they interact with their world. If you hold them a lot, give them treats and generally spend time with them, they will become very tame and some will truly bond with you. We call these lap chickens as they will literally jump in your lap when you sit down. Just like any pet, the more time you spend interacting with your chickens, the more friendly and fun they will be.
7. Free fertilizer.
If you grow a vegetable garden (and you should) fertilizer is something you think about. Clean fertilizer can be hard to come by and it’s not always cheap. Chicken waste is a wonderful choice for fertilizer as it is high in nitrogen,Β phosphorous and potassium. And best of all, if you have your own backyard hens it will cost you nothing. Just throw the chicken waste into your compost bin, and with the right composting practices, in a few months you’ll have a nice pile of black gold.
8. Less kitchen waste.
Like I already said, chickens are omnivores just like us. So they are happy to eat any kitchen scraps you throw their way. And unlike the compost pile, you can also throw them protein and meat scraps (no chicken please, that would just be wrong). Of course, you also shouldn’t feed them junk food or anything moldy or rotten. But lots of scraps and ends that you would normally throw in the trash, your girls will happily eat and turn into more delicious eggs. It’s the circle of life at it’s most rewarding.
9. Knowing where your food comes from.
Do you know where your food comes from? Do your kids? The harsh realities of processed foods, GMO’s, pesticides, antibiotics and the horrors of industrial meat and egg production have caused more and more people not just to ask the question but to look for more-natural alternatives. Having eggs that come directly from happy chickens pecking around your yard is one of the simplest and most rewarding ways to answer that question.
10. Self-sufficiency.
There is real power in knowing you can provide (do, make, fix, raise, grow) something yourself and that it can actually be much better than what you have always bought at the store. Granted, eggs are a small part of most people’s diet and raising backyard chickens is not the same as going off-grid. But it does bring you one step closer to knowing that you really can take care of yourself and your family. What might be even more important is teaching your kids that they can be self-sufficient too. There are many important lessons in responsibility and caring for our planet that your kids can learn from raising backyard chickens. Especially if a lot of the work is theirs.
Reasons You Shouldn’t
Owning any living creature is a big responsibility. It goes without saying that you should never take that responsibility lightly. Do your homework and make sure your family also understands the challenges and downsides of raising chickens. Here are a few to think about:
1. You will not save money.
Yes, the eggs you will get from backyard chickens are better than any eggs you can buy at a store but they are definitely not cheaper. With all the set-up costs (like a coop) and ongoing costs (like feed), the cost of backyard eggs will never be able to compete with cheap factory-farm eggs from your local grocery store.
2. It is quite possibly illegal.
Land use laws are determined by your local municipality or county and in many places backyard chickens are not allowed. Yes, prowling cats and barking dogs are allowed everywhere but not chickens. Check with your city/county office to find out the laws where you live. If you are in-town you will definitely not be able to own a rooster (for obvious reasons) but luckily your hens will happily lays eggs without one.
3. Chicken is on everyone’s menu.
You may never even consider eating your hens but a lot of other creatures sure will. Everything from raccoons to owls to the neighbor’s dog won’t hesitate to turn your chickens into nuggets if given the chance. You will need a covered brooder for your new chicks, set up before you bring them home. When they are ready to go outside they need a secure coop that you will have to close up every night. They need a fenced yard or a run during the day because not all predators are nocturnal. And even with all the necessary precautions you will likely lose one to a predator at some point and it is not pretty, let me tell you. Especially if one of your kids stumbles upon the aftermath first.
4. Chickens poop–a lot.
Don’t hold it against them because all living creatures do. That said not all of them do it quite so frequently. Or do it where they sleep. Or do it on your back porch. Or on “your” eggs. Animal ownership always requires clean-up and chickens are no different but depending on how many you have and where they roam it can be a little labor intensive. The coop should be cleaned out every couple of weeks but can go a lot longer if you use the deep-litter method. Their run area also needs to be raked up regularly. And if your chickens are truly free-range then don’t be surprised if your back porch needs to be swept or hosed down, sometimes daily.
5. No more eggs–now what?
Chickens only lay eggs for about three years but they live up to ten. You will need a game plan for what to do with a hen once she hits menopause. Your great grandmother would have put her in the stew pot but you may not be at that level of homesteading just yet. You could give her away (try CraigsList or your local classifieds) or you could decide to keep her as a pet. Assuming there is a limit on how many chickens you can have in your backyard (there is), it’s hard for most people to justify the cost and work of chickens without the pay-off of farm-fresh eggs.
So should you get backyard chickens? Well, if your goal is cheap, easy eggs, then no. But if your goal is fresher, healthier, more delicious eggs, to rely less on industrial food, to remove yourself from the horror that is factory-farm egg production and to have wonderful, entertaining pets that give you, well, fresh delicious eggs then definitely get some backyard hens. Of course any animal is a commitment of work, time and money so do your homework and make sure it is right for you.
Do you own backyard hens? Is there are positive or negative aspect you think someone should consider before jumping in? Please leave a comment and let us know.
Rena Bucad says
Thank you for this very insightful post. I was considering getting chickens because it sounds so awesome but I probably won’t.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Your welcome Rena. I’m glad you took the time to research whether or not owning chickens was right for your family. Have a great day!
–Leah
Anita says
This is a great article, very well thought out and informative. Thanks!
Fabulous Farm GIrl says
Your so welcome Anita! That is about the highest compliment a blogger can receive. Come back soon.
–Leah
Melody Gravitt says
Great post!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks Melody–appreciate you stopping by!
–Leah
tara pittman says
Thank you for the cons as I have friends with chickens and they make it look so easy but now I know not for me.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Your welcome Tara! I appreciate anyone who takes this decision seriously enough to research it and if my post helped you in that process then I am thrilled. With any luck your friends will give you a dozen of their eggs now and then and you can get the benefits of backyard chickens without any of the work. Come back soon!
–Leah
Michael says
The free eggs are more forthcoming when you offer to be the Chicken Sitter, it is hard to go on vacation even for a few days with chickens. If you offer to Chicken Sit you get a little of the experience (especially the ability to watch them for a while, completely entertaining) without all the work or money!!
Laura says
I totally just lived through this! I loved having chickens (for a while) but they were so messy! I felt bad every time my hubby had to clean out the coop. Nasty! I sure do miss the fresh eggs though! There is nothing better!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
I totally get what you’re saying Laura! I do most of the coop cleaning around here and it is not a lot of fun, that’s for sure. LOL. You might ask around to see if anyone in your town has backyard hens that is willing to sell you some. There really is no beating farm-fresh eggs! Thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Letters from Sunnybrook says
I shall continue to enjoy my MIL’s hens! Great list and tips. I never realized until recently that they only lay for a small portion of their lives. I am also allergic to eggs, but I like having them on hand to make things for my family.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thumbs up to family members who enjoy the work and provide you with eggs. Great deal if you can get it! LOL. Thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Joanna Sormunen says
I posted this on my wall and in my FB page also. And pinned it for later refrence.
We used to have backyard chicken when I was a teenager. And they really are special. My son is asking for some chicken also and I would love to have my own safe eggs.
Considering this, really hard, lol
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Wow Joanna–thanks for all the social media love! My 3 boys are a big reason why we decided to raise backyard chickens several years ago and it has proven to be a wonderful family project. Make sure your son understands the pros and cons and is committed to help with the work. If he is then rejoice in the fact that he wants a pet that actually feeds your family. That’s more than a hamster can say. LOL. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
jamie@kreyv says
My sister and I were just talking about this! I’ll send her the link!
Fabulous Farm GIrl says
Thanks Jamie–I hope it helps:)
–Leah
Eva says
I loved this post! I have been entertaining the idea of owning hens for some time now and your post was very informative. Thank you!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You are very welcome Eva! Thanks for stopping by.
–Leah
Julia bird says
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hello? Julie? Are you there? Well, I hoped you enjoyed the article.
–Leah
Kelli @ The Sustainable Couple says
Thanks for sharing on Mostly Homemade Mondays! Be sure to stop over tomorrow and link up a few more posts π
Kelli @ The Sustainable Couple
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re so welcome Kelli.
–Leah
Julia bird says
Love your site and love love my girls, many who have retired and are not laying any more but our love for them has not diminished. We have five new girls and we are working on a happy integration in our coop. The health benefits of having chickens is a priority for us. We can control what they eat and how they are cared for.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
That is so awesome Julia! I love hearing from people who have really embraced all the joys and benefits of chicken ownership. Your girls are lucky to have you and it obviously goes both ways. Keep up the good work!
–Leah
Amanda says
We’re getting chickens next month for the first time! I’m admittedly a bit nervous, as this is all new for me, but I can’t wait! This is a great list!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
That’s great Amanda–I’m so happy for you! We got our first hens four years ago and it has been a wonderful experience for the whole family. I was nervous in the beginning too but there is so much information on the internet so use the next month to learn all you can. I love helping newbies so if you have any questions along the way feel free to comment here or use the contact button to send me a personal email. But don’t worry, it’s really not hard and you’ll be an expert in no time. So excited for your new adventure and I know you’re gonna love it!
–Leah
Taylor @ Pink Heels Pink Truck says
Our town allows you to have 3 chickens per household. Right now I work on the road full time so I don’t have time to raise any chickens but hoping in the next couple of years we will find some land (and I’ll retire the working on the road thing) and set-up our own chicken coop. I’m really looking forward to it! My step-sister has chickens and I love going over there and seeing the fresh eggs in her fridge! Thanks for sharing the tips (both pros and cons) of raising chickens!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Taylor–thanks for sharing your story. I have my own dream of someday getting land because living in the city is somewhat limiting when it comes to homesteading. LOL! Everyone needs to have dreams and I truly hope that yours come true soon. When it does you will appreciate it all the more for having waited. Good luck!
–Leah
jessica m says
This is a great resource for something we’ve been considering for a long time. I didn’t know they lived for so long after they stop produced eggs…that’s something to really consider since I don’t think I could ever kill one. I would be honored if you would share this awesome advice at Pin Your Friday Favorite on my site. Thanks for compiling this article!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi Jessica–thanks for stopping by! I’ve never had a problem finding people to take my older hens but I’m glad you are considering all the issues and not rushing into it. That said, I would never not have chickens as the pros very much outweigh the cons for us. I pinned this post to your link party and spent some time looking around your site. Love it! Lots of great articles. Keep up the good work!
–Leah
Patty says
I really enjoyed this! I have been wanting chickens for some time now..I am so going to have a coop in the next year.. Thanks…By the way I found you via Jes on Homemaking Mondays.. Come on over for a visit to Winchester Ky.. Blessings!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You welcome Patty! So excited for your decision to get chickens. We have never regretted it and while it’s work, the benefits are so worth it. Years ago I went with my best friend to her hometown of Florence, KY and I must say you live in a beautiful state. Would love to visit again. Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Sherry says
Oh I loved this! If I had grass I would have chickens. Cuz if I had grass I would sure be in a place where it is ok. I enjoyed reading your post! I am going to follow you!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Well Sherry, then I certainly hope you get grass someday soon. I can’t think of anything better to do with a lawn then put chickens on it. Thanks for stopping by and have a fabulous week!
–Leah
JES says
Excellent and informative list! We have been raising chickens for years (and now it is VERY hard to eat a store-bought egg)… Thank you for sharing on the Art of Home-Making Mondays!
Fabulous farm Girl says
You’re welcome, Jes!
–Leah
SLynn says
We love watching them. And there sure is a pecking order. After our layers are done laying I make and pressure can chicken stock. It’s the bestest. And our dogs get free range food from the meat.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Hi SLynn–thanks for stopping by. Yes, watching chickens is highly entertaining and homemade stock is so much better than the stuff from the store. I do hope your dogs know how lucky they are. Have a fabulous week!
–Leah
Heather says
I’ve read many reasons to raise chickens, but not too many blogs share the cons. Thank you for giving us a look at both sides!
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re welcome Heather. There are pros and cons to raising any animal, whether pet or livestock. I am a firm believer that it is not a responsibility anyone should take lightly. I love owning chickens but it’s not for everybody. Thanks for stopping by!
–Leah
PackerBacker says
You might add a couple more cons. My wife and I decided to raise some chickens a couple of years ago. We ordered 25 Buff Orpington’s in October and my wife fed and watered them all winter long while I was recuperating from a heart attack. But they all came through with flying colors (small pun there) and began laying the most beautiful brown eggs we had ever eaten. But by the time July rolled around, my wife was coming down with a serious respiratory condition we soon discovered was an allergy to dander. Not just chicken but all bird dander. We also discovered this was not a very rare allergy. We had to sell our chickens, the coop, the run and anything else that had come in contact with the chickens, and it almost broke her heart. The amount of dander (a very fine, white dust) shed by chickens sticks to everything. And it is a daily chore to attempt to vacuum up the dander almost every day.
So, even if you know you are not allergic to chickens or bird dander, be aware, the cleanup is a never ending task. But if you love your chickens as much as we did, if it wasn’t for the allergy, we would still have them.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Wow, you are the first people I’ve heard of with an allergy to chicken dander (although obviously not the only ones based on your comment). It would definitely be a con for anyone falling into that category. So sorry you and your wife had to find out the hard way and are no longer able to enjoy keeping chickens. Hopefully all the dander will be gone soon and you can both feel better. Thanks for teaching me something new today. Have a great week!
–Leah
Jessica | The 104 Homestead says
Thank you for sharing the joys of chicken-rearing as well as the responsibilities. And thank you for sharing with Green Thumb Thursday.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
You’re welcome Jessica! Glad you enjoyed it.
–Leah
Rachel says
Great post! We’re thinking about chickens for next year and these were great. I also featured your post on my Sunday Good Reads post this week. Check it out.
Fabulous Farm Girl says
Thanks so much for the feature Rachel! That’s awesome that you are considering getting chickens next year and I’m glad I could help you in your decision-making process. Have a fabulous day and come back soon!
–Leah
Brenda says
Thank you for this post. I would love to have chickens for all the reasons you stated. Unfortunately, at this time our town won’t allow it. (Small rural, farming community of 1200 people…go figure!)
The good news, hopefully, is that it is coming up for vote on the town council and being a trustee on the council I am compiling my ‘ammo’ to present to them. So far the only excuses for not allowing chickens
are smell, poop, barking dogs, and stray cats. Our local vet came to a work session and blew holes in every excuse! Here’s hoping!
Leah says
I’m so proud of you Brenda! Laws against backyard chickens are ridiculous and should be fought on every level. I’m sure you can find like-minded people in your town that will appear before the town council with you. Lots of people around the country have fought similar laws and won. Keep fighting the good fight and know that people like me are cheering for you!
–Leah
Ginger Lange says
Hi Leah,
I had to give my hens away 2 years ago and also sold my awesome coop because keeping hens was illegal in the area I moved to, but since then the law has changed, so I can have them again if I choose to. I adored my girls, but struggled with their relatively high death rate. I named them when they were tiny, loved on them (so they were very tame), and treated them much more as family pets than farm animals. I lost one chick (at 2 days old) to failure to thrive, and one hen (at age 2) to a respiratory problem. I dreaded the time when I’d have to either slaughter them, give them to someone else who would, or just support a flock of girls who no longer laid eggs, but as it turned out, I had to give them up before that time came. As spring approaches, I’m getting the chicken urge again, but can’t decide how to handle the issue I just spoke of. I have friends who felt the same, but over time have learned to let go of non-productive hens. Not sure if I can or not. How have you handled it?
Ginger
Claire says
Hi! Found your link through SITS. Your post is interesting. I also shared something about farm tourism. Here in the Philippines, backyard raising of chickens is a common thing. But, most of it is primarily done to earn a living.
Leah says
Hi Claire–thanks for stopping by. Here in the US backyard chickens are still considered a hobby but hopefully that is changing. Unfortunately there are still lots of cities where it is illegal and that is crazy in my opinion. Glad that your country still views providing food for your family as a basic human right. Have a great weekend and come back soon!
–Leah
Suzannah Kolbeck says
We had chickens for years but have now moved to a teeny city house with a teeny backyard that already has to deal with two dogs. I am still trying to figure out how to squeeze a little coop and garden back there, but it may not happen. And the scraps thing is so true. Every time I throw out a crust or a peel I think of my girls wistfully!!
Found you on the SITSGirls Sharefest, BTW. π
Leah says
Thanks for stopping by Suzannah! I hope someday you can find a way to have chickens again and a garden. In the meantime, ask around and you might find someone with chickens who will sell you fresh eggs and definitely check out your local farmer’s market. I have such a short growing season where I live so my farmer’s market makes up the difference. Have a great day!
–Leah
nicole says
great post! Just finished reading the Dorito Effect and we were debating over backyard chicken, and you pointed out perfectly the cons and pros- THANKS
linking in from SITS
Leah says
You’re welcome Nicole. I love having backyard chickens but it’s important to know the responsibility involved in owning any animal. I hope I helped get you closer to deciding if it’s right for you. Have a great day and thanks for the book recommendation too!
–Leah
Savvy says
Hmm… I wonder what my Grandma did with her chickens after year 3! I do remember her buying new ones every couple of years and wondering why.
Interesting that it isn’t cheaper. To be honest I found the same thing to be true with gardening until I scaled it back to just tomatoes.
A friend of ours bought a hobby farm when he retired with chickens. He lost all 5 to the weasels after about three years. They were so much work he didn’t replace them and after awhile there were just too many eggs.
Henopause says
I have had backyard chickens for 4 years now. I LOVE them and could not do without them anymore. Since getting chickens, we now have goats and rabbits. There is a certain sense of freedom when you take on more of the responsibility of truly providing food for your family. Our family of 7 can go months without grocery shopping now. Between our animals, garden and bountiful baskets we’re doing ok!
Leah says
That’s amazing Henopause–good for you. It’s is such an amazing feeling knowing you can truly take care of yourself and your family. Good job and keep up the good work!
–Leah
Morgan @ Morgan Manages Mommyhood says
Love this! We’re getting our first chickens soon, and we’re all very excited – out number one reasoning is we really want our kids ot know where their food comes from.
Leah says
That’s awesome Morgan! And that was my #1 reason too. I had no idea all the other benefits that would come out of it and 5 years later I can’t imagine NOT having chickens. You’re going to love it! Keep me posted. π
–Leah
rebecca flansburg says
I grew up on a hobby farm and I miss chickens! People don’t realize they have fun personalities and are hilarious to watch sometimes. Stopping by from SITS!
Leah says
Hi Rebecca–thanks for stopping by! You are so right up the fun personalities chickens have. That was one of the biggest surprises when we started raising them. I now can’t imagine having a backyard without them. π
–Leah
Alysia Casteels says
I WISH we could have backyard chickens in our area! π
We’re not allowed, due to the bylaws but I hope to move soon….in part, solely for that reason lol
Stopping by from SITS.
Leah says
I feel for you Alysia! Bylaws like that just tan my hyde. Prowling cats and barking dogs are allowed everywhere but not chickens which are quiet and provide food. Crazy! I have sworn to never live anywhere that doesn’t allow backyard hens on principle alone. Good luck and I hope you get your wish soon. π
–Leah
Galaxy says
My city is considering allowing backyard chickens according to my Nextdoor website. There were a lot of people against this. One of the reasons people were against it was because of allergies. Is there a breed of chicken that is better for people with allergies? Or is there a way to reduce allergens from affecting neighbors?