12 Reasons To Raise Backyard Chickens

My computer is down right now, so I am attempting to post directly from my tablet. Not good on the eyes! Or maybe it's just middle age. Regardless, If you have been thinking about getting chickens, but have been on the fence, I want to share with you why you should dive right in to the world of back yard chickens. We have had our two chickens, Padme and Princess Leia, for a year now, and they have given us much more than eggs. I guarantee that the work you will put into caring for them is worth it.

Here are my 12 reasons why you should have a back yard flock:

1. It is a great lesson for you and your children to help care for them. 
2. Your children will learn that their eggs come from an animal, and not the grocery store.
3. You will have greater control of your food source.
4. You will know that the chickens who produced your eggs were treated well.
5. You will have fresh eggs to barter or gift to friends and neighbors. 
6. You can't get any fresher than collecting the eggs for your breakfast that morning.
7. You will become an expert in all things chicken related.
8. They are quite lovable and have distinct personalities.
9. Seeing chickens strutting around the back yard will have you smiling.
10. You will discover a whole new world of like minded people who also raise chickens.
11. Depending on the breed you choose, you can have green, blue, brown, and speckled eggs.
12. While they might not have the most beautiful bird call, waking up to hear the sound of them clucking will fill you with joy.

Before you do go out and buy some chickens, however, make sure you are familiar with your town or city's ordinances regarding back yard livestock. Here in San Antonio we are allowed three chickens without getting a special permit, but some subdivisions have HOA's that don't allow them. I am lucky to live in an older neighborhood where city rules apply. 

Fair warning, however. Once you have chickens, you will start thinking about raising chicks and hatching eggs. You will go to the feed store in the spring and have to fight off the urge to buy chicks. You will start dreaming about a bigger back yard or a little piece of land in the country. You will get coop envy looking at other people's coops. But, seriously, raising back yard chickens is wonderful. One day I will have that little piece of land in the country so Padme and Princess can have a whole flock of companions and I can be a crazy chicken lady.