Official BYC Poll: Why Do You Have Chickens?

[Kurczaklover]

Eggs and fertilizer are what got me started. I started with 5 different breeds so I get a variety of egg colors. But I think the chicken tv is a huge driving point now, too. They are so fun to watch. My grown kids get almost as much enjoyment interacting with them and watching them, and my grandkids, even my 16 year old sons girlfriend.

 

[Silkie fluff butts]

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BYC has an incredible array of members that keep chickens for many different purposes. Which of the options on the poll apply to you? Select as many as apply, and if you have reasons that aren't on the list, reply below outlining them.

(Check out more Official BYC Polls HERE!)

I

View attachment 2931854​

BYC has an incredible array of members that keep chickens for many different purposes. Which of the options on the poll apply to you? Select as many as apply, and if you have reasons that aren't on the list, reply below outlining them.

(Check out more Official BYC Polls HERE!)

 

[Silkie fluff butts]

We inhereted my parents 3 hens when we bought their house so they could downsize. My 10 yr old daughter quickly grew attached to the sweetest one, a RIR. Of course, that would be the first one we lost to an illness. So then began the journey! We bought 3 Silkie chicks and then a Buff Orpington and a black Astrolorp. Then a rescued Bantum and now we are waiting patiently for spring so we can get 2 Faverolles. Not sure why we need more but yes, we NEED them! We have become totally enamored with our wonderful fluffy butts! We pamper them, bringing them in from the rain to dry off, feeding them treats on the back patio (and as they venture into the diningroom) We cuddle them, let them climb all over us and we know each ones voice and usually what they trying to tell us about. I know, chickens are supposed to be farm animals, but boy oh boy, we get such delight and laughter from them! Somewhere in the back of my mind I wonder what will happen when we finally decide our "chicken adventures" are done and we should move on. I can't imagine just getting rid of them. But that's somewhere in the distant future, so I don't think too much on that. Just enjoying the moments we have with our loveable little drumsticks!

 

[Sara S]

I have them coz who doesn’t want chickens am I right!? My mom Wanted them for eggs, but I got them registered as my emotional support animals for my ptsd etc etc. They are so amazing and I was blessed with 2 Delawares ( Rosie and onion), 2 brown americaunas( mocha and cappachyno) a silkie polish mix( bob Ross) 4 chicks- 1 sapphire gem(berry), 1 dark Brahma (the ther two passed from respitory issue)( burrito, munchkin, and twinkle toes), and 2 golden comets)butter and sweet potato). The silkie mix that was given to me by a family friend and she’s giving me his parents since she’s getting older now. The rooster is little man and his mom is fluffy I think ( kinda cliche lmao)

 

[Eden83_haaretz]

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BYC has an incredible array of members that keep chickens for many different purposes. Which of the options on the poll apply to you? Select as many as apply, and if you have reasons that aren't on the list, reply below outlining them.

(Check out more Official BYC Polls HERE!)

Mostly all applies, we haven't yet done the meat thing but will eventually. Except for exhibition, don't think I have ever heard off or seen bird exhibitions here in Mexico.
The other answer would be that we have them because it started out as a gift, and they are just beautiful to look at and great company

 

[Deezchix]

a silkie polish mix( bob Ross)

Love it!

 

[Naisha]

Mostly all applies, we haven't yet done the meat thing but will eventually. Except for exhibition, don't think I have ever heard off or seen bird exhibitions here in Mexico.
The other answer would be that we have them because it started out as a gift, and they are just beautiful to look at and great company

Ooh Mexico! It’s nice to find other spanish speaking users, I’m from Spain and here exhibitions are not a thing either. And it’s such a pity because it would be so awesome to see!

 

[Dinogrrl]

Originally kept the for pets and eggs, and partially for pest control. Did my first batch of meat chickens this year so I'll probably be doing that once or twice a year from here on.

Eggs was the biggest reason. I have food allergies that severely restrict what foods I can eat, even down to eating animal products from animals fed on the stuff I'm allergic to. By having my own chickens, I can at least control one part of my diet! I give them feed sans the ingredient I'm allergic to which yeah I guess is more expensive than typical feed but honestly it's waaay less expensive that the food for my cats. Even the cat that doesn't need prescription diets...

 

[MadamContrary]

Honestly I keep them to work the compost. Pest control and fertilizer would be next in line of importance, but I do love the eggs and how freaking adorable and wacky they are as well. We have just gotten into silkies so I think we'll start working on breeding to SOP soon. I have kids that would love to show birds once we get to that point.

Edited to add, I love to incubate so we do process any extra birds that don't sell for meat, that's been a little side perk as well. I keep quail for meat.

 

[Eden83_haaretz]

Ooh Mexico! It’s nice to find other spanish speaking users, I’m from Spain and here exhibitions are not a thing either. And it’s such a pity because it would be so awesome to see!

I totally agree I'd love to get more rare fowl and go to expositions too! Seen so many wonderful pictures in this forum of chickens and fowl etc that I'd love to have more.
También muy agradable encontrar alguien que también habla el español muchos saludos .