18 Reasons Raising Backyard Chickens Is Awesome

Written By Jill Taylor

Anyone who’s kept chickens can tell you that raising them in your own yard offers numerous benefits. The idea of having fresh, delicious eggs on a regular basis is enough to entice many people, but there are several other great advantages you may not have considered. If you need a little more persuading, keep reading to discover these 18 compelling reasons why keeping backyard chickens is a fantastic idea.

Fresh Eggs

Photo Credit: Nitr/Shutterstock

We think the best thing about backyard chickens is that they provide a consistent supply of fresh, nutritious eggs. According to a study by Marcia M. English, free-range eggs are generally lower in saturated fat and higher in “good” fats. The taste and quality of home-laid eggs are also usually much better than store-bought ones, and you can rest easy knowing that they come from healthy, happy chickens raised with love.

Pest Control

Photo Credit: Mariana Serdynska/Shutterstock

You may not have known this, but chickens make great natural pest controllers. They love to forage for insects, which helps to get rid of pesky pests like ticks, beetles, and grasshoppers that may be in your yard. It’s a well-known fact that pesticides can be pretty harmful, so this is a great way to cut down your use of them and maintain a healthier garden.

Garden Fertilizer

Photo Credit: Monthira/Shutterstock

Another wonderful thing about chickens is that their manure makes excellent fertilizer. It’s rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which all work together to enhance soil fertility and promote plant growth. So if you love the idea of a lush, healthy garden that’s full of life, you may want to consider composting your own chicken manure.

Educational Opportunities

Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

Raising chickens provides valuable educational experiences. Children and adults alike can learn about animal husbandry, biology, and sustainable living. Caring for chickens teaches responsibility and offers hands-on learning that can be both fun and informative for the whole family.

Stress Relief

Photo Credit: Maria-Sbytova/Shutterstock

If you’ve visited a local farm, you might know that spending time with chickens is actually surprisingly relaxing. Watching their funny behaviors and listening to their gentle clucks can really help reduce stress and anxiety. Taking care of these birds and simply enjoying their company offers a peaceful escape from the daily grind.

Companionship

Photo Credit: Trimarchi/Shutterstock

Most people don’t consider chickens to be the best human companions, but they can actually be surprisingly affectionate and social. They often bond with their owners and enjoy human interaction. This companionship can be very rewarding, offering emotional benefits and a unique connection that enriches your daily life.

Sustainable Living

Photo Credit: Cat Act Art/Shutterstock

You should definitely consider raising chickens if you’re interested in living a more eco-friendly lifestyle. They recycle kitchen scraps into valuable fertilizer and provide a renewable source of food. By embracing this small-scale farming practice, you can support sustainable living and reduce your overall environmental impact.

Sense of Community

Photo Credit: Tint Media/Shutterstock

The idea that chickens could improve your sense of community may sound like a strange idea, but they can really bring neighbors together. People often share tips, stories, and even eggs, fostering a healthy sense of collaboration and community spirit. Joining local chicken-keeping groups or events can also help you make new friends and build support networks around a shared interest.

Natural Waste Disposal

Photo Credit: Coryn/Shutterstock

Chickens are great at managing kitchen waste, as they’ll gladly eat vegetable scraps, leftovers, and other organic materials, cutting down on household waste. This natural recycling process turns potential waste into nourishment for your chickens and benefits your garden.

Entertainment

Photo Credit: BearFotos/Shutterstock

If you’ve spent enough time around them, you’ll know that chickens are endlessly entertaining. Their playful antics, curious nature, and unique personalities make them fun to watch. Whether they’re scratching in the dirt or interacting with each other, chickens offer a source of amusement that can brighten anyone’s day.

Teaching Responsibility

Photo Credit: Anatta_Tan/Shutterstock

Taking care of chickens can foster a healthy sense of responsibility. Daily tasks like feeding, cleaning the coop, and collecting eggs teach commitment and time management. These duties can be especially beneficial for kids, helping them develop important life skills.

Healthier Eggs

Photo Credit: Krasula/Shutterstock

It’s a well-known fact that home-raised chickens usually produce healthier (and tastier) eggs. Studies show that backyard eggs often have higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids and vitamins compared to store-bought ones. Knowing what your chickens eat and how they live ensures you get top-quality eggs.

Connection to Nature

Photo Credit: Janis Apels/Shutterstock

Another great benefit of raising chickens is that it helps you connect more with nature. Watching their behaviors and life cycles can deepen your appreciation for the natural world. This connection fosters a greater understanding and respect for animals and the environment.

Customizable Breeds

Photo Credit: nilsmen/Shutterstock

You can customize your flock by choosing different chicken breeds. Some breeds are great for egg production, while others have unique looks or friendly personalities. This variety lets you tailor your chicken-keeping experience to match your preferences.

Low Maintenance

Photo Credit: PeopleImages.com – Yuri A/Shutterstock

This may come as a surprise, but chickens are relatively easy to care for. Once their coop is set up, daily routines are straightforward and manageable. They just need food, water, shelter, and some space to roam, making them a practical option for many households.

Cost-Effective

Photo Credit: nilsmen/Shutterstock

Contrary to what some people think, raising chickens can save you money over time. The initial investment in a coop and supplies pays off with a steady supply of fresh eggs. Plus, chickens help reduce grocery bills by providing eggs and organic fertilizer for your garden.

Environmental Benefits

Photo Credit: fotosparrow/Shutterstock

Did you know that chickens are good for the environment? Their foraging helps control weeds and pests naturally, cutting down on the need for chemicals. By recycling kitchen scraps, chickens also help minimize household waste, making your lifestyle more eco-friendly.

Self-Sufficiency

Photo Credit: jarabee123/Shutterstock

Keeping chickens helps you become more self-sufficient. Producing your own eggs reduces reliance on store-bought food and boosts food security. This step towards self-sufficiency can be empowering, giving you more control over your food supply and lifestyle choices.

Up Next: 17 Phrases Older People Use That No One Else Gets

Photo Credit: CREATISTA/Shutterstock

Each and every generation has its own phrases and sayings that separate it from the rest, and the boomers certainly have plenty. Discover 17 popular boomer phrases that aren’t often used today and what they mean. Maybe you’ll want to bring some of them back!

17 Phrases Older People Use That No One Else Gets

People Who Don’t Show Empathy Usually Have These 18 Traits

Photo Credit: Krakenimages.com/Shutterstock

The world would be a better place if everyone had a little more empathy. But sadly, in reality, some people show much less empathy than we’d like. Here are 18 traits of people who don’t show empathy.

People Who Don’t Show Empathy Usually Have These 18 Traits

The 17 Unhappiest States in America

Photo Credit: Ems Images/Shutterstock

The US has hit an all-time low position in the World Happiness Index, tumbling to 23rd in 2024. However, it’s important to remember that location is an important factor; many US states are very happy, unlike the following 17 US states that appear to be the most unhappy.

THE 17 UNHAPPIEST STATES IN AMERICA