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

[ChickyWhicky]

I have eggers, meaters and whole-lifers (pets), so a multi-purpose flock!

 

[Eggs_Over_EZ]

1. Eggs
2. Shear pleasure of watching them.

 

[Gavinthechickenman]

I have them as both pets and egg production because I sell there eggs chickens are just a great animal in general

 

[Loveshorsesandglee]

For the eggs as pets and they are fun to watch and help with bugs.

 

[Lazy Farmer]

We raise for all of the above.

 

[RossAcres]

Most of my birds are bred for show. My wyandotte bantams produce many eggs, so when it is not hatching season, I have those to eat. My call ducks are entertaining, but their main purpose is showing. I don't eat their eggs as they are too valuable lol. I have a cochin that I use as a natural incubator and a OEGB that I kept after I got rid of the rest. He just hangs out in the barn, freeranging.

 

[Mama Lyle]

It all started with a purpose wanting eggs for our family and to share with our community.
The girls turned into a needed project/company as I was having a hard time getting over tragically loosing my dog.
Their purpose for me has changed, still enjoying collecting the eggs everyday, however three out of the 8 girls are my companions. Every time I got to their coop door they rush over to say hello. I will spend time inside watching them, so weird how I see their behavior as fascinating sometimes a couple will let me pet them.
I also heard their poop is good for garden, so I store the poop in my compost pile.
I don't know if my chickens will become food/meat later.

 

[Cheypedersen6]

When I started out we had 4 chicks and 4 turkeys. It was a major learning curve. I learned that Turkeys can give them selves heart attacks and that chickens dont care about your once upon a time beautiful garden. I learned that moving over 700 miles with chickens and one last turkey was not ideal but they made it. After that move my flock expanded to 30 chickens 4 ducks and still 1 moody turkey! Now I have learned that ducks can go from happy to sick real fast because of the need of niacin and that niacin deficiency can range in many different ways. My chickens purpose was for eggs. We have california whites, Rhode island reds, buff orpingtons, black jersey giants and white lohmans. I have learned that diet really matters in assisting egg production. My turkeys were to be for meat production but since I was down to 1 she has become a family pet and guardian. The ducks well my husband said we need ducks so we got ducks. They spend their time out on the pond and 1 is laying on a clutch of eggs that should be hatching anytime!!!

 

[fuzzi]

When I started out we had 4 chicks and 4 turkeys. It was a major learning curve. I learned that Turkeys can give them selves heart attacks and that chickens dont care about your once upon a time beautiful garden. I learned that moving over 700 miles with chickens and one last turkey was not ideal but they made it. After that move my flock expanded to 30 chickens 4 ducks and still 1 moody turkey! Now I have learned that ducks can go from happy to sick real fast because of the need of niacin and that niacin deficiency can range in many different ways. My chickens purpose was for eggs. We have california whites, Rhode island reds, buff orpingtons, black jersey giants and white lohmans. I have learned that diet really matters in assisting egg production. My turkeys were to be for meat production but since I was down to 1 she has become a family pet and guardian. The ducks well my husband said we need ducks so we got ducks. They spend their time out on the pond and 1 is laying on a clutch of eggs that should be hatching anytime!!!

Some pioneers crossing the great plains had a cage of chickens strapped to the side of the wagon. For months.

 

[Cheypedersen6]

Some pioneers crossing the great plains had a cage of chickens strapped to the side of the wagon. For months.

This is very true!!! My biggest fear with moving was too much air flow for them but we managed.