Ever thought about keeping chickens but dismissed it as too much work or just plain weird? Think again! Keeping chickens is way more awesome than you might believe. From fresh eggs every morning to the endless entertainment of watching them strut around, these feathered friends bring a lot to the table (literally and figuratively). Plus, they’re surprisingly low maintenance and can even help out with your garden.
Access to Fresh Eggs Every Day
Start your day right with the freshest eggs you’ve ever tasted, straight from your backyard. Say goodbye to grocery store runs and hello to egg-cellent mornings. These eggs don’t just taste better, they’re healthier too. Plus, you get the satisfaction of knowing exactly where your breakfast comes from.
Natural Pest Control
Chickens are like tiny, feathered exterminators. They love gobbling up bugs and insects, making your garden a pest-free paradise without any chemicals. Forget about buying expensive, toxic pesticides. Let your chickens do the work, happily munching away on pests like ticks and beetles.
Garden Fertilizer
Chicken droppings might not sound glamorous, but they’re pure gold for your garden. Compost these nutrient-rich droppings and watch your plants thrive. It’s a win-win: you save money on expensive chemical fertilizers and boost your garden’s health the natural way.
Entertainment
You might not expect it, but chickens are a riot to watch. They have unique personalities and hilarious antics that will keep you entertained for hours. Their quirky behaviors and daily routines are better than any reality TV show and will bring a smile to your face.
Keep Food Waste to a Minimum
Chickens aren’t picky eaters and will happily consume most of your kitchen scraps. This not only reduces waste but also provides them with a varied diet. It’s a sustainable way to manage food waste and ensures your chickens stay healthy and well-fed.
Small Side Hustle
Got more eggs than you can eat? Sell the extras to your neighbors! This small side hustle can help cover the cost of chicken feed and other expenses. Plus, you’ll be the local hero providing fresh, delicious eggs to the community.
Meat
If you’re inclined, raising chickens for meat can ensure you have a regular supply of fresh, ethically-raised poultry. Knowing exactly where your food comes from adds a whole new level of satisfaction to your meals. And if one of your hens stops laying, you’ve got options: give it away or turn it into a delicious dinner. Use our Stewing Hen Recipe to make sure you know how to cook it right.
Connection with Your Community
Sharing or trading your chickens’ bounty can strengthen bonds with neighbors, creating a sense of community and mutual reliance. It’s a social plus that tastes good too! Your neighbors will love the fresh eggs, and you’ll enjoy the camaraderie.
Excellent Educational Opportunity for Kids
Raising chickens can teach children responsibility and give them firsthand insight into the origins of their food. It’s a fun and practical way to educate kids about nature and sustainable living. Plus, they’ll love the daily interaction with these feathered friends.
Encourages Physical Activity
Caring for chickens requires a bit of elbow grease, from cleaning coops to refilling feeders and waterers. It’s a great way to stay active and engage with the natural environment. It’s also a fantastic way to get kids off screens and outside, moving around and learning about nature.
They’re Easy “Pets”
Chickens are low-maintenance compared to traditional pets. They don’t need walking, require minimal grooming, and are relatively easy to care for. They’re perfect if you’re new to keeping animals or want a pet that gives back
Stress Relief
The simple routines of chicken care and the presence of chickens can offer stress relief and mental health benefits. Their peculiar presence is grounding and calming. Instead of unwinding with a drink, try spending time with your chickens; their clucking and pecking are oddly therapeutic.
Experiencing Connection With Your Food Source
Raising chickens closes the gap between farm and table, giving you a deeper appreciation and connection to your food. Knowing you played a part in producing your meals makes everything taste better and more meaningful. It’s a return to simpler, more conscious living.
Are Pastured Eggs Really Worth The Splurge? Here’s The Complete Low-Down
Ever wondered if shelling out extra for pastured eggs is really worth it? You’re not alone, the marketing on a carton of eggs can be confusing and nuts at times. With all the buzz around different egg types, it’s easy to get scrambled trying to make the healthiest, most ethical choice. Before you make your next grocery run, we’ve got the complete low-down on pastured eggs to help you decide if they’re the right pick for your cart—and your conscience.
Read it Here: Are Pastured Eggs Really Worth The Splurge? Here’s The Complete Low-Down
5 Labels On Chicken That Mean Nothing & 6 To Pay Attention To
Navigating the grocery store’s poultry aisle can feel like decoding a secret language. “Organic,” “air-chilled,” and “non-GMO” are just a few buzzwords you’ll encounter, each promising a better bird. But which labels actually mean something for the welfare of the chickens and the quality of your dinner? We’re here to cut through the clutter and tell you which chicken labels are worth paying attention to and which ones you can safely ignore.
Read it Here: 5 Labels On Chicken That Mean Nothing & 6 To Pay Attention To
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Gina Matsoukas is an AP syndicated writer. She is the founder, photographer and recipe developer of Running to the Kitchen — a food website focused on providing healthy, wholesome recipes using fresh and seasonal ingredients. Her work has been featured in numerous media outlets both digital and print, including MSN, Huffington post, Buzzfeed, Women’s Health and Food Network.
