chickens

If your little one is asking for a pet, look a little further than cats and dogs. Today, the chicken has become more popular as a household pet. These farm animals are finding themselves at home in cities and suburban backyards. If you’re wondering why chickens make a perfect family pet, take a look at some of their most endearing qualities.

Fresh Eggs Taste Great

Whether you have one chicken or you plan to build a coop together with family members, it won’t take long before you’ve become picky about the freshness of your eggs. Pale green, blue and brown, the eggs from your backyard will look beautiful and taste delicious.

Chicken Deposits Make Good Manure

You might get tired of cleaning up after the dog or frustrated when all of the plants around your cat’s preferred toileting spot die. Neither of those situations will be a problem with chickens. Their deposits are good for your yard. If you can train them to go in specific areas, you’ll have some really fertile soil.

Chickens Eat Pests

Think of your backyard nemesis: June bugs, cabbage beetles, cucumber worms, etc. Chickens love to eat the insects in your yard. They might even kill mice in the yard.

Baby Chickens Are Soft and Fluffy

It’s true that they won’t be little forever, but neither will a puppy or kitten. There’s nothing quite like holding a tiny, warm chick in your hands.

Their Personalities Are Entertaining

Some chicken owners insist that chickens have personalities as complicated and unique as humans. You’ll definitely recognize characteristics such as curiosity, bravery, shyness, friendliness or bossiness. As you and your family come to know each chicken better, you’ll find that they are a constant source of entertainment. They might even prompt some laughter on a regular basis.

Chickens Are Good Companions

Hens are social creatures and when they get a lot of interaction, they’ll be as friendly as a pet dog. Your kids might carry chickens around just like a cat or spend time playing with them in the yard. In general, chickens are less work than dogs and more loving than cats.

If you are completely new to the world of poultry, you may think that, except for size and color, one chicken is much like another. Nothing could be further from the truth! When choosing the right breed, you will want to consider what you want out of your efforts. Characteristics to weigh include egg production, meatiness, and even temperament. Your expectations may be much different if you’re looking for a pet than if your looking for a meal. Here are a few of the easiest birds for beginners with a range of qualities.

White Leghorn

Producing about 300 eggs per year, the White Leghorn is a great choice for those looking for high yields from their hens. The eggs themselves are naturally large and creamy white. However, this bird is also known to be somewhat temperamental and nervous, and does not carry much meat.

Cornish

Cornish hatchlings grow to adult size quickly, and are heftier than the average chicken, making them popular with those raising poultry for food. While they do not lay frequently, hens can weigh up to 8 pounds, and roosters 11 pounds.

Silky

This diminutive ornamental breed is probably one of the best for those looking for a pet. While the hens do lay about 150 small eggs each year, they are very broody. However, their downy, attractive plumage and friendly demeanor make them perfect for children; they even enjoy being held.

Rhode Island Red

In recent years Rhode Island reds have become increasingly common on small-scale farms and in backyard coops. They require relatively little care, and can tolerate cold and heat well. They lay about 200 eggs a year, are generally friendly, and don’t require much space.

Barred Plymouth Rock

One of the most popular backyard breeds, Barred Plymouth Rocks have distinctive checkerboard plumage that makes them stand out. Whether you are looking for a meat bird or a layer, these birds are a great choice for a beginner. They grow quickly, have a long lifespan, and are generally quite docile.