Roosters & Hens As Pets

Although many hold an image of roosters and hens as only precursors to a satisfying meal, these birds are gaining popularity as pets. Very few household pets provide food, pest control and loyalty the way these feathered friends do. Your pets will offer you entertainment and fresh eggs for a lifetime, while you just offer shelter and food. With minimal work, your roosters and hens will become treasured pets.

  1. Roosters and Hens as Pets

    • More individuals are appreciating roosters and hens for their intrinsic pet value as backyard poultry farming becomes more common. These egg-laying birds are, according to veterinarian and chicken aficionado Dr. Patty Khuly, ̶0;among the cutest babies ever, they̵7;re also funny, loyal, smart, and -- here̵7;s the kicker -- they feed you when they grow up.̶1; Poultry pets provide their owners with hours of humorous entertainment along with nutrient-rich eggs. Chickens do not cause more noise or odor pollution than other pets.

    Preparing for your Poultry Pets

    • The most critical aspect of preparing your house and life for poultry is your local laws. Cities have varying laws regarding keeping poultry in your backyard. Some cities allow only hens, while others allow roosters, too. You may also want to disclose your new pets to your neighbors. Let them know you might even have extra eggs to share with them. You also will need to prepare your backyard. Roosters and hens require little more than protection from extreme weather and predators. They need a minimum of 3 to 4 square feet per bird in their chicken coop. Purchase simple coops at a feed store or make one. Hens that will be laying eggs need nesting boxes that are 12 inches high, 12 inches wide, and 16 inches deep and filled with straw or leaves. Provide a run covered in chicken wire that you bury 12 inches underground to prevent predators from digging their way to your birds. Each chicken requires about 10 square feet in the run.

    Care and Feeding

    • Pet chickens do not require much care. For their optimal health and happiness, you should allow them pasture to explore. Chickens enjoy being able to roam a grassy area to forage food, exercise and soak in the sun̵7;s rays. Put your chickens back in the coop at night and during poor weather conditions. Although commercially prepared chicken feed is suitable for your pets, poultry thrive on foraged grasses, seeds, slugs, worms and insects. You also can create your own feeding mix with oats, wheat, kitchen scraps and whole corn. Chickens are hardy creatures and will eat nearly anything.

    Minimizing Health Risks

    • Although risks in raising poultry are minimal, you must take precautions to avoid salmonella poisoning. Chicks and young birds are more likely to carry salmonella bacteria because the stress of shipping and adjusting to a new home causes them to produce droppings with high bacteria counts. Children and adults with compromised immune systems are more likely to become infected with salmonella after handling chickens. By taking the proper precautions, chickens and people can safely coexist. Make sure everyone thoroughly washes their hands after handling the chickens. Monitor children while they wash their hands to ensure they use soap and wash long enough. Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer if water or soap is not available. Clean any items that have been in the chicken coup with a bleach solution.