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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

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Everything you need to know about pet chickens

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  1. Home
  2. Pets

Why chickens make good pets

An expert weighs in. - by Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
  • 30 Jul 2019
Why chickens make good pets
Getty

Thinking of getting a pet for the family? We talked to chicken enthusiast Lynne Allbutt about why chooks make the perfect pet.

Are there certain breeds that are friendlier than others? 

All chickens have individual personalities and good days and bad days. Just like you and I, they will be more sociable some day than others.  Some chicken breeds are considered to be particularly friendly and easy going, but in my experience, they are all sociable and enjoy human interaction. Chickens which have been handled from a young age, will obviously be more used to being held.

In general, Silkies are very placid, and being a smaller breed are often easier for smaller children to handle. Buff Orpingtons are called the ‘Golden Retriever of the Chicken World’ - not because of their colour, but because they are very friendly and enjoy being handled.  

Silkie chicken
Getty

Are chickens compatible with children?

Well behaved children, yes. Children must be taught to respect the hens and to hold them properly and they will forge a good relationship. My brother had a pet chicken when he was 5 or 6 years old. He used to take her everywhere with him, including in the basket of his bike.

Little boy with chickens
Getty

What about other pets?

Chickens are sociable and will generally get on with all other animals, however they are inquisitive and may irritate some dogs. Hens don’t have terribly good manners and will often take food from the dog’s bowl and a playful dog may run the risk of frightening a hen. Generally a mutually acceptable ‘pecking order’ is quickly established amongst pets.

Chickens
Getty

How much do chickens cost? 

Prices vary from breed to breed and area to area but they are definitely affordable, to buy and keep, for most families. As an alternative to pure breeds, do consider commercial hybrids or re-homing ex-battery hens. They lay far more eggs than the pure breeds, and hen-rescue is a very reward thing to do.

Chickens
Getty

Will chickens ruin your garden?

They certainly have the potential to do so. It depends on their personality. I have had real ‘wreckers’ and also hens that are well behaved and cause no damage whatsoever. They may well peck off tasty flower-heads and buds from plants in the beds and borders and scratch soil over paths and lawns. And do remember that they will poop wherever they want to.

Girl holding chicken
Getty

Do chickens like to be held?

Many chickens enjoy attention and being held and stroked. Do be careful not to put your face too close to a chicken though. Occasionally they mistake a ‘blink’ for something moving that they can eat and will peck toward your eye. They also like shiny things and will sometimes peck at jewellery. As with any animal, please be respectful and use common sense. You don’t need to put your face into any pet's face.  

Chickens in backyard
Getty

Do chickens make low-maintenance pets? 

No pet should be bought as a low maintenance pet. All pets need maintenance and thinking they are ‘low maintenance’ can be misleading.  They will need feeding and watering every day, letting out in the morning and shutting in at night (unless you are wise enough to invest in a ChickenGuard automatic door opener). They will need cleaning out and a certain amount of company but in return they will teach routine, and discipline, and reward you with fresh eggs and lots of entertainment.

My guess is that the longer you keep chickens, the more time you will want to spend with them, not less.  hey are good company and make great pets. In fact, chickens are increasingly being used as therapy animals for those on the autism spectrum to develop communication, play and interaction skills.

To make chicken ownership easier, the ChickenGuard automatic coop door opener was created and it is life-changing. The system uses timers and light sensors to open and close henhouse doors in the morning and evening, protecting the birds from predators and ensuring unbroken sleep for owners who prefer not to retire and rise as early as their hens do. The automatic coop door allows chook owners to go on extended holidays or weekends away with peace of mind.

Chickens
ChickenGuard

Any other expert tips?

A treat for hens in hot weather: Share out a tin of sweetcorn between compartments in a muffin tray, top up each one with water and freeze.  Give to your hens in hot weather. Pecking away at an ice block, to be rewarded with an ice cold kernel of corn, will help keep them cool and happy.

Ever heard of chook therapy? Watch how much joy chickens can bring

You might also like:

Everything you need to know about pet chickens

The chicken swing keeping chooks happy

Mum’s amazing DIY Kmart hack transforms her backyard 

  • Pets
  • Better Life
  • Backyard Ideas
Rebecca Lowrey Boyd
Rebecca is the Digital Managing Editor of Better Homes and Gardens.

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YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR
Watch 6:32

YOU’LL NEED A WEDGE TO HANG THAT DOOR

{headline}

{headline}

Everything you need to know about pet chickens

Everything you need to know about pet chickens

The chicken swing keeping chooks happy

The chicken swing keeping chooks happy

Dr Harry visits Estella’s chooks

Dr Harry visits Estella’s chooks

Research finds chickens prefer ‘pretty’ humans

Research finds chickens prefer ‘pretty’ humans

{headline}

{headline}

The top 10 most popular dog breeds of 2020 have been announced

The top 10 most popular dog breeds of 2020 have been announced

Dr Harry meets some hero hounds

Dr Harry meets some hero hounds

You can now buy mini Santa hats for chickens this Christmas

You can now buy mini Santa hats for chickens this Christmas

{headline}

{headline}

8 stylish cat trees your feline will love

8 stylish cat trees your feline will love

Dr Harry visits Calgary Stampede's Chuckwagon Races

Dr Harry visits Calgary Stampede's Chuckwagon Races

You can now buy personalised pet wrapping paper

You can now buy personalised pet wrapping paper

The best dog harness for your pup

The best dog harness for your pup

10 of the best dog beds on the market

10 of the best dog beds on the market

These are the most popular names for pets in 2020

These are the most popular names for pets in 2020

How to prevent sunburn in dogs

How to prevent sunburn in dogs

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