The Benefits of Keeping Chickens: From Fresh Eggs to Natural Pest Control

One key to our homestead in the city is chickens. Raising chickens at home has many amazing benefits that make the investment of both time and money well worth it.

While we certainly love the eggs from having our own chickens that is far from the only benefit. These birds earn their keep.

The Benefits of Raising Chickens

Fresh eggs

One of the most obvious benefits of keeping chickens is that they provide a regular supply of fresh eggs. Eggs from backyard chickens are often much tastier and more nutritious than store-bought eggs, as they are free-range and not exposed to antibiotics or other chemicals.

Pest control

Chickens are great at controlling pests in your garden or yard, as they will eat a wide range of insects, including slugs, snails, and grubs. They will also eat weeds and other unwanted vegetation, helping to keep your garden healthy and weed-free.

Fertilizer

Chicken manure is an excellent natural fertilizer, as it is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. By keeping chickens, you can collect their manure and use it to enrich your soil and improve plant growth.

We toss their bedding into the compost where it sits for several weeks before finding its way into the garden.

Education

Keeping chickens can be a fun and educational experience for both adults and children. It provides an opportunity to learn about animal husbandry, biology, and agriculture, as well as responsibility and caring for animals.

Chickens make a great pet for the kids to learn with as part of our homeschooling program. From raising them as tiny babies to helping with their everyday care the kids have learned so much from our chickens.

Sustainability

By keeping chickens, you are taking a step towards self-sufficiency and sustainability. You can reduce your carbon footprint by producing your own food, and you can also reduce your waste by composting your chicken manure and using it to enrich your soil.

Raising your own chickens is a simple step towards sustainability that most people can take even when living in urban areas.

Pets

Chickens can make great pets, as they are sociable and intelligent animals that can provide companionship and entertainment. They each have their own personalities and can be very affectionate and playful.