Official BYC Poll: Why Do You Have Chickens - Select All That Apply

[sweetmuseek]

Why do you say that? I'm curious.

 

[TheChickInn]

My chickens started out as a 4H project for my kids that quickly spiraled out of control! I finally had to decide to go from 9 different breeds of chickens to 4 breeds ( plus quail this year). I decided it was best to focus on trying to breed true to APA standards this is easier to do with fewer breeds. Having chickens is so much fun, I love to watch them, love fresh eggs, and I have become quite the hatch-o-holic! LOL!

 

[BridgetBarger]

I started with chickens last spring after my son brought home 4 from school after hatching them in science class and we have kept going since then. Enjoy the egg and can watch them in the yard for hours.

 

[Davis3Chickens]

I agree!! I find it so soothing, to have a refreshing drink (beer, champagne, ice tea, coffee) after work in the back yard and observe my chickens. They make me laugh, sometimes jump on my lap, and they know when I pull out the meal worm bag and come running. I love my chickens. They follow me when they see me with a shovel!! I turn over the backyard and they love the fresh worms.

 

[FloridaBasser]

New Category but not a primary reason. Roosters make great guard animals. I can always tell when a stranger or animal is around that shouldn't be. Digger lets me know immediately no matter the time of day or night.
I first got chickens for the eggs and it remains my primary reason for getting into chickens

 

[Tjschicks1817]

I wanted to start keeping chicken in pursuit of self-reliance. It's funny how I never knew they were such amazing animals. But I guess thats how it goes.

 

[Bluebonnet]

I selected "Other - Please Explain" in the poll.

In addition to selecting everything except chickens being more interesting than other pets, I selected this option because I also choose chickens for conservation and land management.

I'm not talking conservation of just heritage breed chickens here either, I'm talking about snails.

You would not think this, but there are quite a few breeds of invasive snails that crowd out other breeds of snails and are causing them to become extinct.

For conservation programs that require lands to be rid of invasive snails, with an eye towards natural, chemical free means of eliminating invasive snail populations, chickens are a great option to prepare land for returning Ex-situ reared snails to their natural wild habitats.

Chickens are also great for land management in order to spread manure or whatever else across acreage.

Chickens have many niche uses that are not exploited to their full potential.

 

[idhound]

other relaxation I compare my birds to fish aquarium just watching them is relaxing

 

[jstamesngr]

I have just 2 Easter Eggers or maybe Americanas and 1 Bantam rooster who was a rescue. They are funny and give me beautiful eggs. The little guy is just a trip, he crows and afterwards is an "ahh" sound which is hysterical. If he gets upset he walks around talking to himself.....he is just too funny! I love all of them and hope to add a couple more girls soon.

 

[shanbits]

I love all the conversations with my hens! We bond every day when I work in my garden and they roam while I work