I don't have a chicken.....yet....but

[silkiechicken]

You also have to keep in mind though, that their most productive years will be their first few, and eggs will gradually decrease from then on. Not that you won't get eggs, just not the 6-7 you might get the first year or two.

As for inside only, it can be done, but they also will smell more like a barn than pigeons and exotic birds. Average max life would probably be about 10 years or so, or even longer. Most don't keep them that long and predators get them so it's hard to say really. I bet they would love outside time too if you could give that to them. You'll have to keep up on toe nails too since they are made to wear down in dirt scratching. Good luck on your venture!

 

[raven880]

<<<u'll have to keep up on toe nails too since they are made to wear down in dirt scratching. Good luck on your venture!>>>

That's a constant problem with my parrots, too, so I'm used to that.

The smell does concern me a bit but 2 or3 wouldn't be that bad, would they? Of course, with all the doggie smells around here, I might not notice.

Now I'm getting really excited. Something to look forward to in the spring. It would be nice to get babies so they would bond to me. The rescued pigeon won't let me near it despite having lived in my birdroom for the past 8 yrs or so and watching me feed and pet the other birds. Even the pigeons in parks are friendlier!

Anyway, I do appreciate all the feedback you've given me. My kids will know that I've lost my mind when I have pet chickens in my birdroom and they may lock me up! But I've had so many odd pets ( a large African tortoise for about 12 yrs) over the years they may not notice.

Paula