If you’re ready to take the plunge and start a small farm, you may feel a tad overwhelmed with where to start. Your goals are big…like, HUGE, and you envision a sprawling self-sufficient farm in your future. 

And you can have one, but when it comes to getting started, there’s no better place than with a flock of chickens. 

And here’s why:

1. Chickens Are Easy to Raise

Well, for the most part, chickens are easy to care for.  It takes some time to become acquainted with the art of raising a healthy flock. But the good news is, the learning curve isn’t that big. 

Chickens do a lot for themselves, but they still need someone to tend to them. So raising chickens is a great way to flex your animal husbandry muscle. 

2. Chickens Provide Pest Control

We aren’t just talking bugs…chickens are omnivores, which means they enjoy both veggies and proteins (in other words, they will eat mice as well). So if you’ve just moved into an old farmhouse, chickens will not only reduce the mosquito population on your new farm but also help the barn cats keep the rodents in check. 

3. Chickens Are The Best Entertainment

Have you ever seen a fluffy flock of chickens chasing the front runner with a frog in its mouth? A running flock of chickens is undeniably hilarious. 

And chickens aren’t just humorous, they’re extremely interesting animals. Their flock dynamics are an intricate puzzle that only a seasoned chicken lover can begin to decipher. So start your flock and start observing to learn what the phrase “pecking order” really means. 

4. Chickens Are Endearing

Did you know that chickens can recognize human faces? That means that after you’ve cared and raised your flock for a while, they will know who you are. 

In a sense, yes, chickens can be considered pets and maybe they aren’t as lovable as a new puppy, but some breeds are particularly friendly and docile. Each bird has its own personality, and some prefer to spend their free time around their human caretakers…and even enjoy sitting on laps. So if you’re just starting your farm, you can count on chickens to keep you entertained and keep you company. 

5 Chickens are Ornamental

You will probably run into someone who hates chickens, and this is most likely due to a traumatic experience with a rooster who shouldn’t have been on the loose. No worries, you can easily win them over with your friendly flock. But most people feel that chickens are beautiful and attractive critters. Having a variety of breeds in your flock can be absolutely charming….for you, and those passing by. 

Chickens are lovely creatures that come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colors. If you are a collector of pretty things, be careful because “chicken math” is a real thing!

6. Eggs and Meat

It wouldn’t be a complete list if we didn’t include meat and eggs on it! Most chickens can lay about one egg a day, and between the eggs and the meat, from chickens bound for processing, that’s a lot of protein to provide for your family!

Chickens are charming animals, and they paint a perfect picture of farm life. Many refer to chickens as the gateway animal to farming, and that’s because they are easy to care for and a pleasure to have around.

–By: Amanda Pieper.