The Top 5 Reasons You Need Backyard Chickens in Your Life!

Why Raising Chickens is the Best Decision for Your Backyard (And Your Breakfast Table)

So, you’re thinking about raising chickens, huh? First of all, great choice! Imagine waking up every morning, grabbing your coffee, and heading out to collect fresh eggs. Not just any eggs, but warm, freshly-laid eggs from your very own flock. Pretty cool, right?

But let’s get one thing straight: raising chickens isn’t just about the eggs (though they’re a nice perk). Chickens can be hilarious, sweet, and surprisingly helpful around the yard. Plus, they’re way more fun than people give them credit for. If you’re on the fence, let me share a few reasons why backyard chickens might just be your new favorite hobby.

1. Chickens Are Amazing Little Compost Machines

Let’s talk about chicken poop. Yep, you read that right. Chicken manure might not sound glamorous, but it’s pure gold for your garden. It’s packed with nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—everything your plants need to grow big and strong. You’ll not only have fresh eggs on the table, but a garden that thrives thanks to the natural fertilizer your chickens provide.

The process is simple: as the chickens roam, they leave behind small treasures (aka, poop) that can be scooped up and added to a compost bin. Over time, this manure will break down, creating a rich, dark, soil-like compost that’s far superior to store-bought fertilizers.

But here’s the catch: raw chicken manure is too “hot” to go directly into the garden, meaning it’s so nutrient-dense that it can actually burn your plants. It needs to be composted first. Don’t worry—your chickens will still do most of the hard work! Just let their bedding pile up in the coop, mix in some leaves or straw, and let it sit for a few months. The bedding will naturally decompose, turning into the perfect homemade fertilizer.

Quick Tip: If you’re looking to speed up the composting process, try turning the pile once a week. A little extra elbow grease goes a long way in breaking down all those goodies, and before you know it, your garden will be flourishing.

Bonus Tip: Chicken manure compost can also help you cut down on food waste! Add kitchen scraps like vegetable peels and eggshells to the compost pile to balance out the high nitrogen content in the manure. It’s a win-win for you and the planet.

2. Free Pest Control (Because Bugs Are Just Chicken Snacks)

Chickens are nature’s pest control experts.

Chickens have an insatiable appetite for all kinds of bugs—grasshoppers, beetles, flies, and even ticks. These little foragers are constantly on the hunt, scratching through the soil and pecking at anything that moves. This means that instead of relying on chemical pesticides that can harm your plants (and the environment), you can let your flock handle pest control the natural way.

Ticks, for example, can be a real nuisance, especially in areas where they’re known to carry diseases like Lyme disease. But chickens see ticks as a tasty snack! Letting your chickens roam the yard is an effective, low-maintenance way to keep the tick population in check.

Beetles and caterpillars that would otherwise munch on your garden produce don’t stand a chance against a chicken on the prowl. And chickens don’t just control pests on the ground—they’ll happily gobble up any flies buzzing around the coop or garden, keeping the area cleaner and more enjoyable for you.

In addition to providing free pest control, chickens also help aerate the soil as they scratch at the ground. This loosens the soil, allowing oxygen and water to penetrate more deeply, which helps plant roots grow stronger and healthier. It’s like having your very own gardening crew working 24/7!

Pro Tip: While chickens are great at pest control, be mindful of their free-roaming tendencies in your garden. They’ll go after bugs, but they might also develop a taste for your veggies or flowers. To avoid this, consider fencing off sensitive areas or using a chicken tractor to keep them in specific parts of your yard.

3. Chicken Personalities are Seriously Underrated

Chickens aren’t just useful—they’re entertaining, quirky, and full of personality. Once you spend some time with your flock, you’ll start to notice that each bird has its own unique character. It’s easy to get attached to them and start thinking of them as part of the family.

For example, some chickens are naturally curious and will follow you around the yard like a feathered shadow. These bold hens will investigate everything, from your shoes to the garden tools, just to make sure they aren’t missing out on anything exciting. Other chickens may be more shy or independent, preferring to hang back and peck around on their own.

Chickens also have a well-established social structure known as the pecking order. You’ll quickly see which chickens are the leaders, strutting around with confidence, and which ones are a bit more submissive. Watching the flock interact can be both amusing and fascinating, especially when the “queen” hen makes it known who’s boss. It’s like having your own little reality TV show playing out in your backyard!

And chickens aren’t just social with each other—they can be surprisingly affectionate with people, too. Spend enough time around them, and your chickens will start to recognize you. Some might even come running when they see you, especially if they know you’ve got treats in hand. You might find yourself having “conversations” with your hens as they cluck and chirp in response to your voice.

Fun Fact: Some chicken breeds, like the Silkie or Orpington, are known for being especially friendly and docile, making them great companions for families with children. So, if you’re looking for a pet that’s both productive and lovable, chickens are a great option!

4. Raising Chickens is Surprisingly Easy (and Affordable)

If the idea of keeping chickens seems overwhelming, don’t worry—raising chickens is much easier than you might think. Chickens are hardy animals that don’t require much maintenance once they’re set up with the basics: food, water, and shelter.

To get started, you’ll need a secure, predator-proof coop. Chickens need a safe place to sleep at night, away from predators like raccoons, foxes, or hawks. The coop doesn’t need to be elaborate—just make sure it has enough space for the flock (about 4 square feet per bird inside the coop), good ventilation, and nesting boxes where the hens can lay their eggs.

Once your chickens are settled in, caring for them is a breeze. A quick daily routine of checking their food and water, collecting eggs, and giving the coop a quick cleaning is all it takes to keep your flock happy and healthy.

Feeding chickens is straightforward, too. They’ll eat a basic layer feed, supplemented with treats like kitchen scraps, grains, and occasional bugs they catch in the yard. Chickens love variety, so you can toss them veggie peels, fruit, or even leftover rice. Just be sure not to overdo it with scraps to keep their diet balanced.

In terms of cost, chickens are one of the most affordable pets you can keep. After the initial setup of the coop and purchasing the chickens themselves, ongoing expenses are minimal. Feed, bedding, and occasional health supplies (like grit or oyster shells for calcium) are all that’s needed. And the best part? Chickens give back—with fresh eggs and natural fertilizer, they’re a gift that keeps on giving!

Bonus Tip: If you’re handy with tools, you can build a DIY chicken coop to save even more money. There are tons of plans available online, and it can be a fun project that adds a personal touch to your backyard flock’s home.

5. The Fresh Eggs Are the Icing on the Cake

Let’s talk about the main event—the eggs! There’s nothing quite like collecting fresh eggs from your own backyard. Not only are they delicious, but they’re also more nutritious than store-bought eggs. Chickens that are allowed to forage and eat a diverse diet produce eggs with rich, vibrant yolks full of flavor.

You’ll notice the difference immediately. Backyard eggs have a richer taste, and the yolks are often a deep orange color, which is a sign of a healthy, happy hen. Plus, you’ll get a variety of egg sizes and even colors depending on the breed of chicken you keep. Some hens lay brown eggs, others white, and certain breeds like Ameraucana and Easter Eggers can lay beautiful blue or green eggs. It’s like having a rainbow in your egg carton!

But fresh eggs aren’t just about flavor. They’re packed with nutrients, including higher levels of omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins A and E, and antioxidants compared to factory-farmed eggs. If you care about the quality of your food, backyard eggs are a no-brainer.

And while your chickens might not lay eggs every single day, when they do, it’s like receiving a little gift from your flock. Plus, if you’ve ever cracked open an egg with a double yolk, you know that it feels like hitting the breakfast jackpot!

Egg-ceptional Fact: Did you know that egg production can vary depending on the season and the age of the hen? Chickens naturally lay fewer eggs in the winter due to shorter daylight hours, but with proper care and nutrition, they’ll get back into full swing once spring arrives.

Ready to Start? Here’s What You Need to Know First

If you’re feeling the chicken fever, you might be tempted to run out and grab the first hens you see. But before you do, there’s a little prep work to consider. Chickens are hardy, but they need a coop that keeps them safe and healthy. They also need fresh water daily, balanced feed, and a bit of your attention to thrive.

Setting up might seem like a lot, but trust me, it’s worth it. And here’s where I can help: I’ve put together a guide that covers everything you need to know, from picking the best breeds to building the right coop, and even dealing with common chicken health issues.

It’s called "RAISING CHICKENS: YOUR GO-TO GUIDE FOR STARTING & RAISING BACKYARD CHICKENS", and it’s the perfect resource if you want to avoid the beginner mistakes and raise a flock that’s happy, healthy, and productive.

In the guide, you’ll find:

• Step-by-step instructions for building a coop that’s safe and comfy.

• Tips on feeding, watering, and general care that’ll make you feel like a pro.

• Solutions for common problems, so you’re never left wondering what to do.

5 Surprising Facts About Chickens You Might Not Know...

1. Chickens Have Built-In Solar Timers

Did you know that chickens have a natural internal clock that’s finely tuned to the cycles of the sun? Their reproductive system is triggered by daylight, which is why egg production tends to drop off during the winter months when there’s less sunlight. Most chickens need around 14-16 hours of daylight to keep laying regularly. When the days shorten, their bodies naturally take a break from producing eggs, conserving energy for the colder season.

However, backyard chicken keepers can help extend the laying season by adding a light source in the coop during the fall and winter months. This light doesn’t need to be bright—a simple bulb on a timer that provides a few extra hours of light in the morning or evening will do the trick. Just be careful not to overdo it, as chickens also need adequate rest to stay healthy. Balance is key! By mimicking longer daylight hours, you can encourage your hens to keep laying, even when it’s chilly outside.

2. Chickens Can Dream

It’s true—chickens actually experience REM (Rapid Eye Movement) sleep, just like humans. REM sleep is the stage where dreaming occurs, so it’s entirely possible that your chickens are dreaming away while they nap. You might notice that during sleep, a chicken’s eyes can move behind their closed eyelids, which is a classic sign of REM sleep. They might even twitch or move their feet as they dream.

Chickens sleep in cycles, alternating between deep sleep and lighter phases. This helps them stay alert to potential dangers while still getting the rest they need. Interestingly, chickens can sleep with one eye open and one eye closed—this allows them to rest one hemisphere of their brain while the other remains active enough to sense predators. It’s a survival mechanism that has been honed over thousands of years, especially for those chickens that sleep out in the open. So next time your hens are snoozing, know that they may be dreaming of their favorite dust bath or a tasty worm!

3. Some Chickens Are Excellent Escape Artists

If you think your chickens are content to stay safely inside their coop, think again! Some breeds, like the Leghorn or Ancona, are known for being excellent flyers and escape artists. These chickens are curious by nature and love to explore, sometimes going to great lengths to see what’s beyond the coop door. You might be surprised to find a hen perched on top of a fence or even wandering through your garden after squeezing through the tiniest of gaps.

Chickens are incredibly agile and can fly short distances, often enough to clear low fences or roost in unexpected places. This is why it’s important to build a secure enclosure with proper fencing, especially if you want to keep your flock safe from predators. A fence that’s at least 5-6 feet tall should help keep most chickens contained, but if you’ve got determined escapees, you might also consider clipping their wings. Wing clipping doesn’t harm the chicken; it simply shortens the feathers on one wing to make flying more difficult.

To prevent escapes, make sure to regularly inspect your coop and run for any holes or weak spots. Remember, chickens are curious creatures, and if there’s a way out, they’ll find it!

4. Chickens Have Great Memories

It might surprise you to learn that chickens are not only intelligent but also have excellent memories. Studies have shown that chickens can recognize and remember up to 100 different faces, including humans, other chickens, and even animals like dogs or cats. This means your flock knows exactly who you are—and whether or not you’re the one who brings the treats!

This memory ability isn’t just for fun; it plays a crucial role in a chicken’s daily life. Chickens rely on their memory to navigate social dynamics within the flock, recognizing who’s higher or lower in the pecking order and adjusting their behavior accordingly. They also use their memory to remember safe spots in the yard, places where they’ve found food before, and areas to avoid due to predators.

What’s more, chickens can even learn from observing other chickens and adjust their behaviors based on past experiences. For example, if they see one of their flockmates eating something tasty, they’re likely to remember that and seek out the same food later. So, if you’ve ever wondered whether your chickens know you’re coming with their favorite snacks, the answer is definitely yes!

5. Chickens Are Surprisingly Fast

You might picture chickens waddling around the yard, but don’t let their seemingly slow gait fool you—chickens can run at impressive speeds! A motivated chicken can run up to 9 miles per hour, which is quite fast considering their size. Whether they’re chasing after bugs, escaping from a predator, or hurrying over for treats, chickens can show some serious speed when they want to.

Their fast reflexes also make chickens quite agile. If you’ve ever tried to catch a chicken that doesn’t want to be caught, you know how challenging it can be. They can dart in and out of tight spaces, change direction quickly, and even take short flights to evade capture. This speed and agility are evolutionary traits designed to help them avoid predators in the wild. Chickens need to be quick on their feet to survive, whether it’s escaping a hawk overhead or a fox lurking nearby.

Interestingly, chickens also use their speed to establish dominance within the flock. A hen who’s faster at reaching the food bowl or catching the best spot on the roost may climb higher in the pecking order. So, the next time you’re out in the yard with your flock, try a little game of chase—it’s not just fun, it’s also a great way to watch your chickens in action!

Starting a backyard flock is one of the most rewarding decisions you can make, and I’d love to help you get started. Whether you’re looking to enjoy fresh eggs, keep the bugs at bay, or just have a few feathery friends, chickens are a wonderful addition to any home.

Take the first step today, and before you know it, you’ll be out there, collecting eggs, tossing treats, and maybe even chatting with your hens. After all, who doesn’t want a little extra company in the backyard?

Happy chicken-keeping! 🐔