Benefits

There are many advantages to raising hens. This page will outline many of the benefits a backyard hen would provide.

• Chemical Free Pest Control
• Free Fertilizer
• Fresher, Healthier, Organic Eggs
• Inexpensive Pets
• Low Maintenance Pets
• Strengthens a Community

Chemical Free Pest Control

Chickens love to eat ground based bugs, especially ticks. North Carolina has one of the highest infection rates of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever [cdc.gov]. By keeping a few chickens, you will not need to use as many pesticides.

Free Fertilizer

North Carolinian gardeners suffer from red clay and are required to amend the soil so that their plants will flourish. Chickens will provide you with one of the best natural fertilizers. You will no longer need to purchase expensive fertilizers.

Fresher, Healthier, Organic Eggs

Fresh eggs taste better than store bought eggs because the time from coop to your plate is at most a few days instead of weeks or months.

Free range eggs have been proven to be healthier. They contain more Omega-3 fatty acids, among other nutrients. They can have as little as 1/3 the cholesterol.

Inexpensive Pets

Chicks can be purchased for as little as $1 each and feed is around $0.10 per day per chicken. The feed cost is lower if your enclosed area has grass for them to eat or if you give them table scraps.

The most aspect to chickens is the coop and run. Building a predator secure coop that would not be an eyesore can cost at little as $150 in materials. This is comparable to purchasing a single piece of cat furniture.

Low Maintenance Pets

A chicken can be a very low maintenance pet. You will not need to take them on walks or get them groomed. The only requirements are to check their feed and water a few times per week, let them out of the coop (into the run) in the morning and shutting them back in at night, collect the eggs and cleaning anywhere from once a week to once a month, depending on the size of your flock.

Strengthens a Community

A thriving community not only needs a strong economy. It also requires members of the community to find a common ground and interact with each other in a positive way. Some families have sports, dog parks, or arts & crafts. Owners of backyard chickens share a common bond and many meet up on a regular basis and host culturally enriching activities for their communities. A prime example of this is Raleigh’s Tour D’Coop – Henside the beltline. Chicken owners collect food and cash donations for charity once a year in exchange for allowing people to meet their flocks.