Chickens are commonly thought of as farm animals, but in recent years, they have become increasingly popular pets.
If you're on the fence about whether or not to get chickens of your own, you may be surprised to learn about some of the benefits they can offer.
From providing fresh eggs to controlling pests, chickens can be a valuable addition to any household. Read on to learn more about six unexpected benefits of having chickens.
#1 Chickens Provide Fresh Eggs
One of the most obvious benefits of having chickens is that they provide fresh eggs. If you enjoy cooking or baking, you know that there's nothing quite like using eggs that have been laid within the past 24 hours.
Not only do fresh eggs taste better, but they also have more nutritional value than store-bought eggs that may have been sitting on shelves for weeks or even months. With your own chickens, you'll always have a steady supply of fresh eggs on hand.
#2 Chickens Help Control Pests
Another benefit of chicken ownership is that chickens can help control pests. Chickens will eat just about anything, including bugs and other small critters that might be lurking in your yard.
By keeping a few chickens around, you can rest assured knowing that your property will be free of pests. Just be sure to keep an eye on your chickens so they don't become pests themselves!
#3 Natural Fertilizer
Speaking of manure, chicken droppings make excellent fertilizer for your plants. Unlike chemical fertilizers, chicken manure is gentle and won’t burn your plants. It’s also rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium—the three essential nutrients needed for healthy plant growth. Simply add it to your compost pile or directly to the soil around your plants.
#4 Chickens Can Be Good For Your Mental Health
Pets of all kinds have been shown to have numerous mental health benefits, and chickens are no exception! Caring for chickens can help reduce stress levels and increase feelings of happiness and well-being. Additionally, interacting with animals has been shown to boost levels of serotonin and oxytocin in the brain, which can further improve mental health.
There are many reasons why people are choosing to raise chickens these days—and rightly so! In addition to providing fresh eggs, chickens offer numerous other benefits that range from reducing stress levels to keeping pests under control.
If you’re considering adding chickens to your backyard menagerie, be prepared for hours of entertainment as well as nutritious (and delicious!) eggs! You won't regret it!