7 Side Effects of Having Backyard Chickens

A few years ago we embarked on the adventure of raising backyard chickens. It was one of the best decisions we ever made, and it has been so exciting for our little family. It has definitely been a learning experience, but little did I know, there can be side effects of having backyard chickens.

You become an egg snob! Which would be fine if you never had to purchase them again from the store, but there will come a time when your girls will go on a break. You will then have to swallow your pride, maybe even wear a disguise after all the trash talk, and purchase eggs.

Always ready to talk chickens. You are always listen for key words that could be considered chicken talk. You can hear someone say “brooder” from across the room only to proudly make your way over to introduce yourself as a chicken owner too.

Scraps will have a whole new meaning. You will be having dinner at a nice restaurant, where you politely ask for a box just so you can take that little bit of salad and leftover rice home to the girls. Other times you will scavenge the fridge looking for special treats.

Chickens are the gateway animal. Having fresh eggs makes you feel like a real homesteader, and before you know it, you are looking at bees, goats and rabbits!

You are going to literally become a mother hen, worrying about their safety of your flock. You will suddenly realize all the wildlife around you, everything from raccoons to coyotes will be lurking in the night. I don’t know if they were always there or they just like chicken dinners, but I have lost a little sleep listening for things that go bump in the night.

You will probably become attached. Ok, it is just hard. You receive this 2 day cutest chick ever and it is yours to raise way before it starts egg laying. You watch it grow cuter, than awkward and then to a beautiful hen that you are so proud to call yours. I was told originally I shouldn’t name our chickens and I found out the hard way they were right! I knew one day these chickens would have to go off to freezer camp and I was going to have to find a way to deal with it. But, that was a long time away, right?! Well, some coyote had different plans and let me tell you my heart was crushed! I don’t think until then I had realized how attached I had become.

Eggs! Best of all, lots of egg. With such an abundance of eggs you will start looking for new egg recipes, and chances are that family and friends will even reap the benefits.

Do you have chickens? I would love to hear what side effect you think have come from having a backyard flock.

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