Three Questions to Ask Yourself before Deciding to Keep Chickens

Keeping chickens can be a ton of fun and is an easy, interesting task. However, are you prepared to keep a few birds in your backyard? Once you have a setup, it is usually very simple to keep it running and to keep your birds happy, but it is important you answer a few questions before you get started.

Do You Have the Space?

Though a coop doesn’t have to be very big, it still has to be suitable for the number of chickens you plan on keeping. The coop doesn’t only protect the chickens from dangers, it gives them a safe place to live, thrive, and lay their eggs.

Do You Have the Time?

Like all animals, chickens take daily maintenance. They don’t take a lot of time, but they do need to be looked after and considered every day. If you are keeping your chickens in a pen, they need to be let out every morning so they can forage and scratch. You must then clean their environment and feed them, and then at the end of the day, you will need to catch them all and put them back in the coop for protection.

Have You Considered the Right Breed for You?

Every chicken is unique, but most conform to their breeds. So what kind of chicken are you looking for? Do you want prolific layers, or ones that will enjoy the company of a child? Do you want chickens that will show well, or ones that like to be petted as they eat? When making your choice, consider the long-term, and not just what you want at this very moment.