Chickens: Pets Or Food?

[Ibicella]

All of the above. Most are livestock, but occasionally one presents itself as a pet. We all have different purposes.

 

[ThePolishPrincess]

Both, to some extent. I eat the eggs my birds lay, but the bird stays until nature decides it's her time to go. Not economically effecient, but I have different values in life. I cannot honestly imagine eating an animal I raised with such a different purpose. The thought of eating one of my own birds disgusts me....but I've never been a fan of meat. We buy store-bought meat; primarily organic or humanely-bred poultry. If I never knew the bird, I have an easier time eating it.

Chickens don't go in the house unless they are sick and need to be separated or are being kept in isolation for exhibition. Even then, they are reserved for the basement that was never finished. Over all, I agree with many of the statements posted previously on this thread, and If I do not agree, the points are valid to someone else. There is no right or wrong answer, IMO.

 

[myfivegirls]

I would say that my chickens are both pets and livestock. They all have names and most of them don't mind being picked up and petted. We eat their eggs, but once their egg production is reduced, they will go in the freezer. I really enjoy my girls as pets, but I also know they have a purpose and once that is done, they will serve another purpose. That is also why I'll be getting new chicks, so I can start enjoying them, so it won't be as hard when the older girl's time is up. I've processed other laying chickens that have been raised by other people, and, yes, we do buy store-bought meat. I would like to raise some meat chickens at some point.

I like what KatieH said:

I am NOT an animal rights type I believe God gave us dominion over the earth and that includes using animals for meat, milk, eggs, leather, etc. At the same time, I also believe that since they are sentient, they should be treated well.​

 

[ellieroo]

Pampered Chick, exactly!! The only exception is the roo who declares war ! Have to go now Speckels and her sisters are knocking on the backdoor looking for treats!!!

 

[Chicken Fruit]

I have certain poultry that are my pets. But when they die we eat them. Or when we have to put them down we eat them.

I dont believe animals have human emotion (anguish, lament, terror- it just requires outside thinking and rational they dont possess), but i do believe they have their own little souls and emotional needs and feelings, its our jobs to meet those and care for those things. They willingly give their lives for us in finality or in service, and that is the best we can do for them- treat them well and keep them happy until their purpose is realized in the most humane way possible.

Every animal I keep has to have a purpose. The only ones who soul purpose is to make me happy are my gold fish. Even cats and dogs have a purpose- eat mice and protect me and the kids. However, the animals I keep for eating hold a higher value in their needs to me, if thats even possible.

Sorta like it says "no greater love than this, one who lays down his life for his brother". When treated right the animals we eat do not live in perpetual anguish and fear of their final purpose. Even on the slaughter floor they do not panic. They resolve themselves to it like a prey with the predator at its throat. Almost like they lay down their lives. For that we owe them the best we have.

 

[iluvcks]

I still think some part of their brain knows whats going on. That hen is looking up at you while you have their head on the chopping block, and shes thinking "well this is new, I don't think this is going to end well"

 

[teach1rusl]

Quote:

Sorry...but you made me laugh, and my girls are strictly pets.

 

[BarredBuff]

Quote:
I like to think of my chickens as food but most of mine have crappy prersonalities so this fall I am killing every one except the 3 red hens. They do not live in the house and the best they get if they are sick is the garage. Well we still buy store bought chicken because we havent butchered any yet because they are still ok layers, but they will be going in the Fall. I saw on here a while back that somebody had a 14 year old chicken that layed an egg once a month. But the ideal time to butcher layers is when they are 2 years old thats when production decreases fairly fast and then it becomes more cost to feed the old layers because they arent putting out many eggs.

 

[iluvcks]

So far here' the score

food 17 Pets 35 Both 41

bmelanco you are the minority

 

[CityChicker]

You should have a category for- "pets but not on the same level as other pets", because I would bet my life that most of those people that said "pets" also eat chicken, but would never eat a dog. That tells me right there that most really do not see them on the same level as more traditional pets. Of course, this is not to discount people here that are vegetarians. I was a vegetarian for many years, but even then, I didn't see chickens on the same level as dogs for example. Again though, anyone that wants to see them as pets can certainly do so.