Backyard Chicken Keeping: Is it right for you?

Does a pet chicken sound like a good idea to you? Picking fresh laid eggs in soothing shades of brown, blue and green? Are you looking for another way to escape out to your backyard oasis on a daily basis?  Backyard chicken may be a perfect option for you.  But, before you jump in, let's take a good look at what's involved so you make a wise, healthy choice for you and your family. 
 
According to a United States Department of Agriculture study, there is a slow growing acceptance of backyard chicken keeping.  The study done in four U.S. metro areas (Denver, Los Angeles, Miami, and New York City ) found that .8% of the population currently owned chickens, but nearly 4 percent of households without chickens planned to have chickens within the next 5 years. 

Backyard chicken raisers love their chickens.  Many view them as pets.  Special precautions need to be taken, however, to avoid getting sick from them and their eggs. Recently the CDC issued a warning and guidelines after noticing an uptick in salmonella cases related to backyard chicken eggs. They also released specific recommendations to prevent the infection.

The United States Department of Agriculture is in charge of biosecurity for poultry and other birdkeeping in an effort to prevent an outbreak of avian flu or other exotic diseases.  Chicken keepers should stay aware of updates from them as well.

I was curious about what the allure of backyard chicken keeping is and what exactly it involves. So I sat down with a local mom who explained in great detail her love of backyard chicken keeping and what is involved with it.   
Take a look:

Taking on any pet is a responsibility that should be carefully evaluated before making the commitment.  Hopefully Nancy's honest discussion of what is entailed in keeping chickens as pets and harvesting their eggs will help you decide if this is a nature activity for you. If you are already a backyard chicken keeper, maybe you picked up a few new tips?  Either way, if this is an activity for you, I hope that you handle and care for the chickens, and their eggs, safely for the health of you and your family.  

The Nature Nurse™ blends the art of caring with the healing power of nature. All media content is meant for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. The Nature Nurse™ does not diagnose nor treat diseases. Always collaborate with your health care providers on your health and wellness plan.