When we think of the ultimate family pet, raising chickens is usually the last thing on our minds as opposed to dogs and cats.
The truth is that chickens can make awesome pets for the right families. These feathery friends are loyal, friendly, and capable of showing love just like any other pet.
They have their perks, too. They don’t bark and disturb neighbors like dogs, nor will they scratch your new furniture like cats.
However, they still have their disadvantages, and they won’t be the right pet for every family.
If you are considering raising chickens and want to know if they are worth it, I wrote this article for you!
The Truth About Raising Chickens
Lifespan and Commitment
Chickens make ideal pets for those who can meet their needs and commit to caring for them for a decade or two. Most chicken breeds have an average lifespan of 8-10 years, with some heritage breeds living for 15 years or more.
This is a similar commitment to most dog breeds, so if you are looking for a pet that doesn’t live for very long, then a chicken won’t be right for you.
Of course, you have the option of raising chicken breeds with shorter lifespans, but that still doesn’t guarantee that they won’t exceed it.
However, if you love birds as much as I do, chickens can be a preferable pet compared to many parrot species, which can live for over 30 years and have the potential to outlive us.
This is one of the main reasons I decided to raise chickens over parrots, and it might be a defining factor for you if you are not ready for such long-lived bird species.
Care and Maintenance
Like any pet, chickens require proper care and maintenance to thrive. You shouldn’t get a chicken with the intention of thinking they will be very easy to care for or that they don’t require much maintenance.
Raising chickens takes a moderate amount of work and daily maintenance. This involves letting them out of the coop every morning, whether it’s to free range or stay in the run, and giving them feed and changing the water.
You should also be checking the coop to see if it is protected from predators and cleaning soiled areas daily. If you have egg laying hens, you may need to collect eggs up to twice a day.
For weekly care in summer and fortnightly when it is a bit cooler, I do a deep clean of the coop, which includes washing and sanitizing the coop and run, replacing substrate, and scrubbing food and water dishes.
Diet and Nutrition
Chickens need a healthy and balanced diet consisting of commercial prepared feed and supplements such as insects, grain, and vegetables.
Your chicken’s diet will vary depending on their age and health.
Egg-laying hens need a specialized diet with significantly more protein and calcium to support egg health and development. A layer feed provides essential nutrients and a balance of vitamins and minerals to support egg laying hens. I recommend that you also offer protein and calcium supplements, such as oyster shells and feeder insects in addition to a commercial layer feed.
Health and Disease
Chickens can develop health issues that require veterinary intervention and treatments. You shouldn’t get chickens if you aren’t expecting to take them to a veterinarian or to pay for treatments and medications to help them feel better.
Some common reasons for a vet visit include parasite control, vaccinations, diagnosis and treatment for diseases, or annual health evaluations.
At least once a day, I perform a health check on each of my chickens. This is important for detecting health issues early on. You should be checking that their eyes are bright and clear, their nostrils are dry and clear, and that their feathers are shiny and not dull or damaged.
I also recommend monitoring their droppings and reporting any unusual colors or consistencies to a vet. They should be able to walk comfortably without limping or stumbling.
If you have chickens that don’t mind being handled, you should check them for parasites. The best place to look is the skin, feathers, underneath the wings, and vents for signs of mites and lice.
Is Raising Backyard Chickens Expensive?
If you’re on a tight budget, chicken keeping might not be ideal for you. Raising chickens has a significant amount of expenses, although they are typically not considered the most expensive pets.
The initial expenses are often the costliest, because you will need to buy or build the coop, run, food and water dishes, heat lamps, and laying boxes. And of course, you will need to buy your chickens too. After the initial expenses, you will be left with monthly expenses.
Some of the main monthly expenses include:
- Feed and supplements
- Substrate/bedding
- Electricity (if you run lights and heat lamps)
- Coop maintenance and cleaning supplies
- Vet bills and medication
Overall, you can expect to spend roughly $500-1,000 on the initial or once-off expenses, and $15-$80 monthly.
The Benefits of Backyard Chickens for Families
Raising chickens for families offers numerous benefits. Not only do these feathery friends provide unconditional love, but they also provide fresh, nutritious eggs and a sense of companionship. Chickens make great pets for both responsible young and older children, although an adult should still be the primary carer.
Chickens for families is also a great idea if you want to teach your child about compassion and valuable lessons about nature and food sources. Children can help with collecting eggs, feeding time, refilling water dishes, and socializing the chickens.
Most chickens are docile and get along great with children, as long as they are handled gently and responsibly to avoid injuries.
Should Your Family Start Raising Chickens? Key Takeaways
If you are looking for a feathery companion that can provide you with fresh eggs and fun daily routines, chickens can be worth raising. Whether you want chickens for families or to raise on your own, chickens can fit into various households. You don’t need to be a chicken expert to raise them, nor do you need thousands of dollars to spend on them. Raising chickens can be a rewarding experience, and with minimal space and effort, you can turn your backyard into a thriving home for your flock.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Raising Chickens for Families
Q. Is raising chickens expensive for families?
A. Raising chickens involves upfront costs for a coop, supplies, and the chickens themselves—typically $500–$1,000 initially. Ongoing monthly expenses, such as feed and bedding, usually range from $15–$80. While not the cheapest pet, many families find the benefits and fresh eggs offset the costs.
Q. Are chickens good pets for families with children?
A. Yes! Chickens for families can be friendly, entertaining, and teach children responsibility. With supervision, kids can help with feeding, collecting eggs, and cleaning, making chickens a great choice for family bonding and learning.
Q. How much daily care do pet chickens require?
A. Pet chickens need daily attention: feeding, watering, letting them out, and checking their health. Weekly chores include cleaning the coop and replacing bedding. While not as demanding as some pets, a consistent routine is essential for their well-being.
Q. What are the main benefits of raising chickens for families?
A. Families enjoy fresh, nutritious eggs, natural pest control in the yard, and the companionship of unique pets. Raising chickens also helps children learn about animal care, food sources, and nature.
Q. Can you keep chickens in a small backyard?
A. Yes, many families successfully raise chickens in small yards. Chickens need a secure coop, space to roam or a run, and protection from predators. Even limited space can support a happy, healthy flock with proper planning.
