What do you raise your chickens for?

[Gray Farms]

Breeding stock mostly, some have gone on to be show birds. Also to help conserve rare breeds.

 

[trufadog]

We thought they were just for eggs, but it turns out we love (or I love) hanging with the gals. They are fun, funny and sweet.

 

[snow5164]

We got them for eggs , we have enjoyed learning so much along the way . The eggs pay their way each month , our customers are such nice people.

I’m surprised how fun and entertaining they are and how they can break your heart when they are ill

 

[lcwmt]

The initial group, many years ago, were inherited at slightly past prime. They were interesting, good grasshopper and rattlesnake snake control and lovely in the yard/garden. The occasional egg (usually found in the roses) was a bonus.
Fast forward several decades: last April's chicks were an antidote to a difficult time. They were cute, entertaining, engrossing...We put them out in late Spring with a tractor and coop.... they were a delight. This time last year it was obvious they could free range under the protection of our dogs.
Bug control! Soil amendment!!! Eggs were the welcome bonus. Still - entertaining and therapeutic.
This years chicks continue the journey. Still entertaining, better bug patrol due to breeds chosen, soil amendment!!! and any week now, more fabulous eggs.
Our chickens will not be harvested for meat.
As they age out of laying, their primary jobs will continue: bug control and soil amendment. The entertainment and eggs are a bonus. (but we love the eggs)

 

[Harmony Fowl]

I raise them for the alien overlords. Did no one else get the memo from Overlord Krzybyxx? He needs more chicken tenders.



Eggs were the reason that made me get them. Now we eat the chickens, too, which I'm really happy about in terms of self-sustainability. I also just really enjoy raising and keeping them. I sell eggs and that pretty much covers the cost of keeping the chickens, so that's good, but not really a reason why I keep them.

 

[alexa009]

I mainly keep chickens for breeding and eggs.

 

[Chick or Treat]

My chickens are only partly used for their eggs. My family and I love to have them, and care for them!!! They have become one of our pet obsessions!! Lol All of ours are special, and have a personality. Sitting watching them all day is always fun!

 

[FarmerGirl101]

I raise them as pets but I would love to breed them too! I can't sadly as I live under the roof of my parents so for now they are pets. I think I would love to breed Ayam Cemanis as they are soo cute but they are pricey so I am going to stay with the "common" breeds first.

 

[LaurEliz]

I raise mine for eggs, but more than that, I just love having them around, helping them grow from chicks to chickens (and sometimes from eggs to chicks to chickens), and seeing how they interact with each other.

 

[jolenesdad]

Eggs and entertainment. I enjoy the birds so much they share space with the horses and help desensitize them and they take my mind off everything when I’m with them watching them interact with me and each other.

I appreciate the importance of knowing where our food is coming from and just having chickens for eggs has increased my desire for more control in that area.

they’re an invaluable tool for educating children about food and our place and responsibility in that system as well as livestock, animals, responsibility, and so much more.