While you might not think of keeping a pet chicken, they can be lovely and fun pets just like rabbits, cats, dogs or goldfish. Plus, eggs! Check the regulations in your neighborhood or local area to see if it is legal to keep a chicken or even a few on your property and read on for five tips on keeping them happy and healthy.
- Choose the right breed – there are many breeds of chickens available so it’s best to do your research and choose one that is right for your lifestyle. A great starter breed is the bantam, as they are cheap, small in size and easy to keep. They require little to no space and less food than some other breeds.
- Provide the right home – even city-dwellers need to be aware that there are predators looking for a nice chicken dinner. Don’t let your chickens be vulnerable! Provide them a safe home that predators can’t invade. Predators can include not only the neighbor’s dogs but also hawks or other wild animals. Clean their cage and enclosure every day and keep a bowl full of sand for them to scratch in to prevent mites.
- Get the right food – a visit to your local feed store or pet store will guide you in the right direction in getting a nutritionally balanced diet for your chicken. Don’t feed your chicken scraps or birdseed; chickens require their own special food. Give them plenty of food and a constant supply of fresh water. Be sure to provide your chicken some grit, which helps them digest their food properly. Grit in their stomachs helps grind their food; after all, you’ve never seen a chicken with teeth, have you?
- Room to roam – give your chicken a good amount of space to roam and scratch around freely. Their enclosure should be safe from predators, but should also give them a bit of shade and a bit of sunlight. Be careful; chickens like to roam around. Make sure they can’t get out of your yard or enclosure. Chickens are active during the day and roost or sleep during the nighttime hours.
- Know the benefits – not only will you soon (after 24 weeks of maturity) be able to gather your own free-range eggs, your chickens will also provide you with other benefits. For example, in addition to their nutritionally balanced food, you can feed your chicken organic table scraps. Spending time with your chickens connects you and your family with nature and provides a peaceful, serene environment.
We hope you’ll consider keeping chickens as pets, whether you’re in the country or in the city. On average, keeping pet chickens can cost around $25 per month depending on how many chickens you have. Consider the money you’ll save on eggs and garden fertilizer and you may come out ahead! Whatever your reason for keeping chickens, make sure they have a safe, secure environment and the proper care so that you can enjoy their company for years to come.
