Information About Pet Chickens

Chickens can be kept as pets both indoors and outdoors with the use of coops and runs. When kept outdoors in confined areas, the farm animals can create problems because they will scratch the ground, creating dust baths which kills grass.

  1. Types

    • There are many species and sub-species of chickens, the majority of species are friendly and docile such as the Houdan. However, some like the Buckeye and the Phoenix are aggressive and dislike being caged.

    Eggs

    • Pet chickens produce eggs regularly, allowing the owner to reduce grocery bills and, thus, recoup some of the costs of keeping the birds.

    Fertilizer

    • The feces emitted by chickens can be used as fertilizer in a residential yard. If chickens are allowed to roam outdoors they scratch up the ground allowing the fertilizer to penetrate the surface.

    Space

    • Chickens remain healthier when they are given space to move around. Each chicken needs between 5 and 10 feet of outdoor space; if kept indoors, each bird requires between 2 and 4 feet of space.

    Food

    • Feed can be purchased from farm stores which provide the required nutrients for chickens. These pets also eat many other items including bread, vegetables, grass, weeds and bugs.

    Geography

    • As with all animals, different breeds thrive in different conditions. Breeds such as the Sultan require hot conditions, the Welsummer is best in cold conditions while others such as the Hamburg are content in any conditions.