Why are chickens such a big deal?

[pretty_chicken]

I was just thinking, what is the big deal with chickens? People can get all sorts of exotic parrots and cockatoos they want, (which can be way more destructive and noisy than chickens) but chickens aren't even legal in some cities. I don't get it at all.

 

[ClairedeLune]

Well, chickens give you eggs, entertainment, and addiction... what's not to like?

 

[Hangin Wit My Peeps]

I think a lot of people are freaked out, thinking chickens pass dangerous diseases to people...I don't know

At least that's what several people I know think! SO many think I'm just plain nuts

What I tell um is THINK all ya want! I love my chickens!

 

[YearningForGoats]

I think she means what's the big deal with cute, fun, egg laying, chickens being illegal in so many areas when it is legal to have so many obnoxious birds.

 

[b.hromada]

I don't get it either.

I'm in the same boat you are.

 

[fishfarmer]

Kind of like drug addiction....you know you start with one and physical tolerance and physical adaptation takes place you and need more than one to get the same high. You also get psychologically dependence on them... that's why most city bans it and the DEA will be at your door if you are underground with chickens.

 

[tnchickenut]

I think it is a prejudice that if you have chickens, they will run free and then there is the crowing.

I know there is alot of chickens running free in my hometown (I live in out in the country nearby now). My brother lives smack dab in the middle of town, walking distance from the Police/Fire station, hospital, city hall... you get the point. He has asked me time and time again to come catch chickens out of his yard. None of the neighbors will admit they know who owns them. They just run the town! There is alot of that. One was so human agressive he was late for work over and over when that rooster run him into the house. lol. That is funny to me, really. But still... you got to think of kids and old people and things like that.

I think it all comes down to the laws are old... this backyard chickens in suburbia being treated as pets is relatively new idea. It may take awhile for the laws to catch up. People didn't (and some still don't) keep the birds healthy and contained. That's what is up with the laws. Just keep writting your congressman and mayors and such and keep informing them of the benefits of a backyard layer flock. Keep letting them know you will be responcible and not have 25 chickens (roosters in the mix) running amuck and terrorizing people. The laws will all slowly change. Slowly.

 

[Mahonri]

Chickens get a bad rap.

I finally had to remove the pics of chickens from my screen saver at work because clients would ask with disdain, "Are those chickens yours?"

I try to explain how clean we keep things but to no avail.

I have however noticed an increase in flies in the back yard. I've been trying to spray but it looks like I'm going to need to get out some fly traps.

 

[dot n'dave]

I had a friend when I was a teen who had crazy loud birds in their house, you couldn't even carry a conversation they would squawk and scream so loud! Chickens have nothing on them!

 

[tnchickenut]

I just want to add... I love parrots too.

I don't think they are annoying... but I think the difference is that they are in your home. I can see where a parrot (the right breed) would be a problem in a apartment or duplex. Same as I would see where a big flock or even a small one with a rooster would be a problem in the suburbs or city.