Do you consider your Chickens Pets or Livestock

[Checota]

As far as the debate about livestock vs pets..this is something that has passionate folks on both sides.

Most of us see our dogs and cats as pets....and many more see them as family.
My point is, it’s all about perspective...emotions can run high when you love something. That love is real and palpable.
When a animal is considered a cherished member of the family and it is classified by others as having little value by being called livestock.....that person will get defensive.

To a farmer Livestock has great value, the loss of even one animal is devastating to that farmer. They value that animal a great deal.

My point is that the only difference is perspective. One is emotionally involved with their animal/s. The other is emotionally involved with his or her farm and every animal on that land.

Both perspectives are right....if that farmer got emotionally involved in all of his animals....he would only farm the land but could not raise and harvest animals for his or everyone’s else’s table......food for thought...every pun intended.

 

[pnwoldie]

A false dichotomy. They’re a source of eggs and nitrogen for the compost. They’re also entertaining at times. I can buy cheap eggs at the store, but you can’t put a price on the enhanced nutrient quality of well-fed and free-range eggs.

 

[Sally PB]

How about a new term: Petstock?

 

[MrFluffyandGirls]

Defiantly should have a both option. My silkies are pretty much useless but cute friendly balls of fluff that are defiantly pets but my leghorns and Isa Browns are flighty egg laying machines that are livestock expected to produce.

 

[AngelaY]

All of my birds are DEFINITELY 100% pets. I've had pet chickens since I was 10 years old and pet ducks since 12. Even if I have a roo that I need to re-home, I refuse to give them up unless I'm 110% sure they will not be eaten, I hand raise all of them and unfortunately tend to get more attached to the ones that turn out to be roos... I'm not allowed to have roos where I live BUT I just couldn't get rid of the last one, his name is Mr. Tilney (like from Jane Austen's "Northanger Abby"). He's my baby there's also my hens: Darcy, Pippin, Moby, and Dory who is a baby. Then my ducks are Arthur, Guinevere and the ish-babies Merlin and Pendragon(Penny for short). I love all of them❤

 

[Duck mommy 2019]

All of my birds are DEFINITELY 100% pets. I've had pet chickens since I was 10 years old and pet ducks since 12. Even if I have a roo that I need to re-home, I refuse to give them up unless I'm 110% sure they will not be eaten, I hand raise all of them and unfortunately tend to get more attached to the ones that turn out to be roos... I'm not allowed to have roos where I live BUT I just couldn't get rid of the last one, his name is Mr. Tilney (like from Jane Austen's "Northanger Abby"). He's my baby there's also my hens: Darcy, Pippin, Moby, and Dory who is a baby. Then my ducks are Arthur, Guinevere and the ish-babies Merlin and Pendragon(Penny for short). I love all of them❤

that’s amazing, i had to rehome some of my drakes as well (they were suppose to be girls, so my ratio was very bad) and they live on a big farm now and are very happy (and i get to visit!)

 

[Doggirl08]

Pets. Our 2 roosters and 20 hens all have names, all are hand raised, and some can walk on a leash.

 

[Doggirl08]

All of my birds are DEFINITELY 100% pets. I've had pet chickens since I was 10 years old and pet ducks since 12. Even if I have a roo that I need to re-home, I refuse to give them up unless I'm 110% sure they will not be eaten, I hand raise all of them and unfortunately tend to get more attached to the ones that turn out to be roos... I'm not allowed to have roos where I live BUT I just couldn't get rid of the last one, his name is Mr. Tilney (like from Jane Austen's "Northanger Abby"). He's my baby there's also my hens: Darcy, Pippin, Moby, and Dory who is a baby. Then my ducks are Arthur, Guinevere and the ish-babies Merlin and Pendragon(Penny for short). I love all of them❤

I have had chickens since I was 6. I love my family's chickens1

 

[BantyChooks]

Both, but I voted for livestock. My goal is to maintain a reasonably productive flock for eggs and meat whilst also breeding to the Standard of Perfection.
I'll name birds if they're easily distinguished from the others, but I also have no qualms eating those birds later. "Pets til they're dinner" is rather my approach. That said, some birds, such as my Call ducks, aren't on the menu.

 

[bayareapilot]

The answer to this questions probably make a difference in how you approach your chicken managment. Do they need to have a profitable return? Do you consider cost in your decisions? Etc.

Mine are clearly pets. The fact they lay eggs is just icing on the cake.