Is Raising Chickens in the Backyard Healthy?

 

Jordan Walker has always been passionate for animals. He loves to share his knowledge and expertise about the animal kingdom through pet-related blogs. He leads the content team of Coops and Cages. In this article, he shares the common dog dangers to avoid this summer.

While raising chickens is as common as raising domesticated animals in rural areas, it is uncommon to see a typical home yard filled with these little white creatures. Although, in reality, raising backyard chickens can be as easy as pie once everything is set up, there is still a question that must be answered. “Is it safe and healthy to raise chickens in private places like the backyard?”

Before you venture into raising backyard chickens, take time to review these pros and cons first. By that, you will know if raising them in your place is healthy or not.

PROS

Fresh Eggs Everyday

Typical households spend hundreds of dollars for organic eggs at the local stores. But by raising chickens in the yard, you will be hitting two birds with one stone. Not only will you get fresh eggs and organic eggs, you will also get value for money.

They Don’t Require Frequent Maintenance

Chickens don’t really require much watering, feeding, and frequent coop maintenance. Because of that, they are easy to care in contrast to other domesticated animals. On average, the monthly food and miscellaneous expenditures for three chickens is around $25 dollars.

Healthy And Green Yard

The waste of chickens is a natural fertilizer. It will do magic as it revives the grass, and even some plants in the garden. Therefore, the more chickens you have in your yard, the greener and the healthier your surrounding is.

Natural Pest Control

These birds are considered natural pest controls. Because they feed on annoying pests and bugs, you don’t have to buy any other chemical lawn treatments or pesticides.

They Make Great Pets

Chickens might not be as adorable as dogs, but you have to admit that they have distinct personalities that make them lovable. And if you ever raise and deal with them starting at a very young age, they you might even learn to love them.

CONS

 

Initial Cost Are Expensive

At first, raising chickens may be a bit pricey because there are a lot of things you need to buy – feeders, watering and heating supplies, chicken coop, and some other miscellaneous stuff. Normally, the startup costs reach around $500. But, if you only become successful in the long run, the money spent will all return to you.

Changing Ordinaces

While the rules in each community vary regarding raising backyard chickens, every owner must ensure that the coops are made in accordance with the local ordinances. If you don’t follow, expect that the penalties would be grave.

Complaints From Neighbors

Sometimes, your neighbors might be happy and excited about you raising new pets, but along the way, you might cause them to suffer. Your roosters might be very noisy and wake them up at early dawn or maybe the odor of the chickens would not be very pleasant to them. Nonetheless, you can still win them over by being generous to them and giving them fresh eggs.

Incompatibility Of Breed

Each breed of chicken has its own unique personality. Some have the ability to lay more eggs. While others are plainly for pet purposes. In the event that you get a chicken breed that doesn’t match your lifestyle and needs, there are possibilities of you getting into trouble.

Coop And Maintenance

Chickens require very low-maintenance. However, every owner must make it certain that their coops are always clean, well-ventilated, and dry. Also, these animals require regular food and water supply. If you are the type of owner who travels a lot, or hates to pick up their poop, backyard chickens are probably not for you.

They Can Cause Damage To Your Yard

When these creatures are not supervised, they can cause some serious damage to your yard. And the worst thing that they can do is to ruin and destroy your lovely landscape and flowers.

They Can be Lost To Predators

Naturally, chickens have lots of predators, such as domestic dogs and coyotes. Even if you take precautionary measures, like putting them back into their coop before dark, there are still chances that you will lose some of them to predators.

Business-wise, raising backyard chickens is considered healthy as they provide excellent results – nutritious eggs and pest-free environment. But hygiene-wise, well, depending on some factors. Nevertheless, its cons can still be covered, with proper planning, and of course, maintenance.

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Author: Jordan Walker

Jordan is the lead content curator for Coops And Cages as well as a couple of other pet related blogs. His passion for animals is only matched by his love for ‘attempting’ to play the guitar.