Do you consider your Chickens Pets or Livestock

[RebelEgger]

Mine are all pets with benefits.

 

[Checota]

For me both. As for the pets it does not matter that I do not get a fiscal return equal to cost for product.

As for the livestock birds, they are fed well and after harvesting is usually equal with retail Organic cost. However I have the added benefit of knowing they had a wonderful life with sunshine fresh grass and bugs and all the feed and treats available. I adore my chicken pets. I care for and am grateful for those birds who nourish our family. And I am thankful for my pet chickens who entertain, bring me comfort and companionship while giving me eggs to eat and to share.

 

[schmedlap]

Egg production? If you figure all the time, effort for housing and protection from predators, and add in feed and bedding, eggs are worth about $10 each. But they are good.
It is relaxing to be around them and even talk to them. I had one that would come out when I called her. They have their own personalities. I could not eat one unless absolutely necessary. When they go, it's from old age.

I guess that makes them pets.

 

[gtaus]

How about a new term: Petstock?

I like that idea. My 10 chickens are not really pets as I refuse to name them or get so attached to them that I cannot replace them in my planned 2-3 year rotation, but they are neither quite livestock because I can buy eggs at the big box store for less than $1.00 per dozen, so they are not a profit center for me either.

What I do get is lots of enjoyment watching them, composting chickens to improve my garden soil, they eat almost all our kitchen scraps, almost everything organic ends up in the chicken run instead of being thrown away in the trash (weeds, grass clippings, leaves, wood chips, etc....), and I get eggs as a bonus. We eat the smaller eggs and sell the larger eggs to pay for the chickens' commercial feed. So, in that sense, they don't cost me anything and I get lots of benefits from them.

I like the term petstock as it seems to fit better for me.

 

[Lavendar4]

Our 4 are definitely pets. However, I, my mom, aunts, and rest of the family grew up with them as livestock and my mom, at least, thinks we are nuts pampering and carrying on over chickens. I do keep trying to tell my children and spouse that they are chickens, and have many predators, things happen, etc. But then I went and ordered a chicken toy and some curtains for the nesting boxes...

 

[wudkarver]

In the beginning they were for eggs only. But every time I go out there, they come running round for a treat. So Guess pets are in the conversation too. I can pet them and they seem to like it. I only have three Black Austrolorp.

 

[Bear1978]

Both for me., Given their short lifespan I try not to get too attached to them bcs they usually don’t live as long as most other types of domesticated pets such as dogs or cats.

 

[MROO]

Both for me., Given their short lifespan I try not to get too attached to them bcs they usually don’t live as long as most other types of domesticated pets such as dogs or cats.

Short lifespan? Don't count on that! My sister still has at least seven of her first hatch of 16, including Tyson, her RIR rooster monster. I know how old he is because I remember the first - and last - time he flogged me. Tyson is ten ... and still going strong!

 

[Aunt Angus]

Pets. Definitely pets. Cost isn't really a consideration when it comes to the day-to-day stuff. I give away their eggs to family and friends. I don't mind that they freeload sometimes.

They at least make eggs. What do my cats do? My dog? Nothing. THEY are the freeloaders. Look at this lazy bum. She needs to get a job and earn her keep...

 

[cluckmecoop7]

Definitely pets with benefits. They are my sweeties!

Chickens aren't livestock all the time. Mine have names, get treats, and are the most spoiled babies ever.