Topic of the Week - What is the purpose of your flock?

[high5]

Mine are for eggs and meat, and more generally for having a low maintenance food source should the day come most or all of the family food must come off the farm and not the grocery store.

... And I think it soon will.

Those busily preparing now, are the people of tomorrow!

 

[Rosto]

We keep chickens for a variety of reasons. First and foremost as pets. We have 42 right now that are over a month old. They are so entertaining to watch. Second my dad is going blind and has had a stroke. He's no longer able to work a garden or plow a field so the chickens give him a job. He loves to go up there and check on them. He forgets that he fed them so he feeds them again. Its no problem because they love the extra attention. Finally, I want to live a healthier lifestyle. Raising our own eggs and meat ensures that we are doing our part to provide quality food for our family. Finally, I just ordered some hatchery Houdans. I know they are not show quality by any means, so they give me a breeding project to work on.

 

[ebisu]

My mom initially got them for egg production, entertainment, and fertilizer. I take care of them for her.

I have Asperger's along with depression and anxiety so they serve as a form of therapy. I get VERY attached to animals. I love learning about them and the chores/company they give me are fun and fulfilling. Plus, they're all super cute.

My childhood cat passed away at 23 years old in 2020 and I'm still heartbroken (just not as bad anymore) but I'm able to heal from her absence because of the chickens.

 

[MROO]

I forget who said it, but I read a post awhile back, someone with decades of experience said that most late Summer/early Autumn hatches produce a higher ratio of Hens vs. Roos...like so high, practically all chicks were females. My Spring hatch was 50% & currently, I have an abundance of Roos that I'm quite attached to. I really do not need more Roos, so the next time I do hatch some chicks, I will probably wait til September.

I've never noticed that with my flock, but then again, I haven't officially tracked it, either. You'd have to get averages from several years to get past random results, but it would be interesting to note. Keep us posted, willya please?

 

[MROO]

I keep mine for eggs, pets and performance, I'm a professional magician and I've trained both my Silkies to select things in the act, a poker chip or playing card. So the Silkies work on stage with me!

Ooooh ... oooooh ... videos, please?

 

[Stacaroni]

Pets
Eggs
Compost

In that order. They're just fun to have around and watching them relaxes me. I am kind of shifting towards breeding a rare breed or two.

 

[micstrachan]

I keep mine for eggs, pets and performance, I'm a professional magician and I've trained both my Silkies to select things in the act, a poker chip or playing card. So the Silkies work on stage with me!

Amazing!!!

 

[micstrachan]

Ooooh ... oooooh ... videos, please?

Yes! This! @drmolarmagic

 

[micstrachan]

I have chickens because my husband came home over six years ago with four baby chicks on my daughters birthday. He had no idea at the time that he had created a crazy chicken lady in his wife.

Now I keep them because I am fascinated by their behavior and interactions. Plus, I do absolutely adore them. They are friendly and curious and are my little buddies.

We do eat their eggs, but we end up giving away most of the eggs. I know some people will roll their eyes at this, but I love love love them as pets. I do everything I can to make sure they also get to carry out their natural instincts by giving them free range time when the dog and I can supervise and providing enrichment.

Someday I would like to do more of a rescue operation then contributing to the hatchery industry where I’ve been getting them so far.

 

[Gammas Bearded Babies]

I forget who said it, but I read a post awhile back, someone with decades of experience said that most late Summer/early Autumn hatches produce a higher ratio of Hens vs. Roos...like so high, practically all chicks were females. My Spring hatch was 50% & currently, I have an abundance of Roos that I'm quite attached to. I really do not need more Roos, so the next time I do hatch some chicks, I will probably wait til September.

Oh this would be awesome since I'm planning a BIG hatch (big for me anyways) in September!!! Of course I don't need anymore period!