I get that question occasionally, and most folk have their own idea of how I'll answer before I say a word. Usually, the answers they expect have something to do with self-sufficiency, education, quirkiness or just plain old craziness. (many folk in my line of work have little to do with animals or the outdoors, unless it involves dogs,cats or a day hike). The truth is it's a bit of each of those, but mostly it's because I truly feel rewarded when I can care for and tend to animals, then see them thrive. I'm the kid who didn't just have a fish tank...I had 10 of them, and bred fish to sell to local pet stores. I was the kid who fell in love with tending to and managing a large group of animals and felt rewarded every time the group increased in number. I was also the kid who tried to increase the numbers of rare fish to help preserve them. Chickens aren't fish, but in many ways caring for them is the same as my childhood hobby.
None of that is easy to describe to other people, but sometimes they do "get it." If they don't that's OK. Besides, the eggs I bring to work usually help them to understand.
OMG!! Another fishhead.LOL I always was into animals when I was a kid but we lived in the city. We had a couple of cats (outdoor cats) I also was into fish breeding
(15 tanks). So now we have two newfoundland Dogs (lanseers) and 10 chickens. People really think Im nuts when I tell them I have chickens.I just tell them Its healthier,they are fun to watch and we all need to get back to raising our own food.